2016-03-01 Infrastructure and Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                               1 MARCH 2016


Solar Bin

Waste Services has now taken delivery of its first solar powered
bin. The bin uses solar energy to generate power to operate an
internal waste compactor, therefore extending the period between
collections. In future the bin may also be able to communicate with
Council officers when it’s approaching capacity. The bin will initially
be trialled at several high profile locations, including Hastings Street
and main street locations around commercial centres. Exact
locations will be selected to ensure that the compaction capabilities
are maximised.

Noosa Council Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2016 – 2024

WMS have this month produced a draft Plan to comply with State Government requirements
under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. The 27 page document outlines Noosa
Council’s strategy for waste management over the next eight years. The Plan will be provided to
Council for review, comment and endorsement before going to a mandated 28 day public
consultation phase. The draft Plan is now available and will be circulated separately to this
report.

3.    PEOPLE

Manager of Waste and Environmental Health, Wayne Schafer will shortly be taken “offline” in
order to work on producing the specifications for the next waste management contracts, due to
commence in August 2017. During this period, Waste Coordinator, Ian Florence will backfill the
Manager’s role.

Other staff numbers and positions remain constant.

4.    SYSTEMS & PROCESSES

Environmental
Waste Services have recently produced and implemented a Receiving Environment Monitoring
Program (REMP) for the Eumundi Road landfill and resource recovery site. It is anticipated that
in the next month, after several reviews and amendments, the REMP will receive formal
endorsement from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection. Noosa Council is
the first in the region to move to this contemporary form of environmental licensing, monitoring
and management, other councils are expected to follow suit in the future.

Waste Services have continued their formal monthly environmental audits and inspections of the
contractor’s environmental management systems for the Eumundi Road landfill.            Since
commencing the monthly audits in mid-2015 there has been a noticeable improvement in
environmental management at the site. For the first time in many years the contractor’s
environmental management program will reflect Council’s and comply fully with contractual
requirements for environmental management.

Workplace Health and Safety
Council’s internal workplace health and safety adviser has recently conducted inspections across
Council’s waste facilities. Waste Services performed well with only minor issues identified, which
have now either been, or are in the process of being addressed.




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