2016-06-07 S&O Agenda - Item 4 Att 1 - Draft Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan

1.       Executive Summary
This Plan is a statutory requirement under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 which
states that all Queensland Local Governments must have a Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan
to address its waste management.

The Plan is underpinned by the waste hierarchy. This internationally recognised hierarchy places
waste reduction as the preferred option, followed by reuse, through recycling and recovery options
to disposal as the least preferred.

The timeframe for the Plan is 2016 to 2024 which compliments the review of the Noosa Council
waste contract; however the Plan will be reviewed at least every three years.

The Plan aims to meet or exceed the 2024 waste targets as detailed in the Queensland State
Government’s Queensland Waste Avoidance and Recycling and Resource Productivity Strategy
(2014-2024).

The Queensland Government strategy sets a target for all Queenslanders to reduce their overall
generation of waste by 5% by 2024. The Strategy proposes a 55% recycling rate in domestic and
commercial and industrial waste and an 80% recycling rate in construction and demolition waste.

The Plan identifies specific actions in the following areas:
    Garden waste and composting
    Waste reduction
    Landfill diversion
    Community education
    Local government activities

Council aims to lead by example as well as educate the wider community to reduce waste sent to
landfill and increase resource recovery.




                  Fig 1: Noosa Hinterland, Paul Smith


In 2007 Noosa became Queensland’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Biosphere reserves are
sites that demonstrate innovative approaches to conservation and sustainable development.

In another first for Queensland, in early 2015 Noosa Council introduced a Community Jury to assist
Council on their deliberations on waste minimisation, in particular “what is the best option for
minimising organic waste sent to landfill?”

Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan - Page 2