Attachment A

Balonne Shire Council Bulloo Shire Council Maranoa Regional Council Shire Council Quilpie Shire Council Paroo Shire Council

Southwest Regional Waste Management Plan

17 May 2012

Southwest Regional Waste Management Plan has been adopted by the following Councils under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.

Name Of Council Chief Executive Signature Adoption Officer Date Balonne Shire Council Scott Norman Bulloo Shire Council Michael Hayward Maranoa Regional Julie Reitano Council Murweh Shire Council Chris Blanch Quilpie Shire Council Dave Burges Paroo Shire Council Myrene Lovegrove

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Southwest Regional Waste Management Plan 17 May 2012

Balonne Shire Council Bulloo Shire Council Maranoa Regional Council ABN 49 655 876 831 ABN 77018448039 ABN 99 324 089 164 PO Box 201 PO Box 46 PO Box 42 St George QLD 4487 QLD 4492 Mitchell QLD 4465 Telephone: (07) 4620 8888 Telephone: (07) 46218000 Telephone: 1300 007 662 Fax: (07) 4620 8889 Fax: (07) 46553131 Fax: 07 4624 6990

Murweh Shire Council Quilpie Shire Council Paroo Shire Council ABN 98 117 909 303 ABN 56 680 434 639 ABN 70 534 069 238 PO Box 63 PO Box 57 PO Box 75 Charleville QLD 4470 Quilpie QLD 4480 QLD 4490 Telephone: (07) 4656 8355 Telephone: (07) 4656 0500 Telephone: (07) 4655 8400 Fax: (07) 4656 8399 Fax: (07) 4656 1441 Fax: (07) 46 551 647

Document Control Approved for Issue Revision Author Reviewer Council Chief Executive Adoption Officer Date

Balonne Shire Scott Norman Council

Bulloo Shire Michael Di Francisco Council Hayward Steve Mizen Angie Hennessy Maranoa South West Regional Julie Reitano A (Final Ted Hennessy Regional Council for DERM Margie Milla Waste Review) Donna Hobbs Management Murweh Team Chris Blanch Richard Ranson Shire Council Kimberley Meurant Quilpie Shire Dave Burges Council

Paroo Shire Myrene

Council Lovegrove

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© Balonne Shire Council 2012 Bulloo Shire Council 2012 Maranoa Regional Council 2012 Murweh Shire Council 2012 Quilpie Shire Council 2012 Paroo Shire Council 2012

This document shall remain the property of the above Southwest Councils. Unauthorised use of this document in any form is prohibited.

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Table of Contents ...... 5

1.0 Shire Profiles ...... 7

2.0 Legislation ...... 12

3.0. Scope of Waste Management ...... 13

4.0 Waste Hierachy ...... 15

5.0 Identify Waste Streams ...... 17

6.0 Assessment of Waste Streams ...... 20

7.0 Targets of the Waste Strategy ...... 22

8.0 Operational and Verification Monitoring Programs ...... 325

9.0 Waste Management Initiatives ...... 32

10.0 Effective Implementation of the waste management plan………………………………..……………………...34

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This Waste Management Plan has been developed to facilitate compliance with the conditions of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. The purpose of this Waste Management Plan is to: Provide southwest Councils with a clear and concise description of their responsibilities in relation to Waste Management.

This plan has been developed by the six South-western Council’s as permitted in Section 122 of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act. The existence of this shared plan does not prevent the individual Local Government Authorities having a more detailed Waste Management Strategy that covers more specific matters relating to their local government area.

This Regional Waste Management Plan is to be in effect for a minimum of three years from the date of issue, however this does not prevent the plan being amended, replaced of extended if required.

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1.0 Shire Profiles

Balonne Shire

The is located in on the border some 500 kilometres from the east coast of and has an area of 31,119 square kilometres. Rural industry has created and is supported by the towns of St George, Dirranbandi, Bollon, Thallon, and Hebel. Small localities such as , Boolba and Alton are places of historic significance and important meeting places for the rural communities and travelling public they serve.

Balonne Shire has a predominately rural based economy with cotton, wool, beef, grain and horticultural production being the most common primary industries. However, cotton is very much the dominant crop. More recently, some economic growth has also occurred in areas such as tourism. The region has a semi- arid climate, with temperature (as measured at the St George Airport) fluctuating between 13.8°C and 28.0°C. Mean average annual rainfall is approximately 490 mm.

Major irrigated agriculture has been practised in the region since 1956. It was later expanded in the 1970s with the development of Beardmore Dam in 1972 (near St George, Queensland). The first Queensland cotton gin was built in St George in the early 1970s and the late 1990s saw the addition of the Dirranbandi cotton gin and a second cotton gin in St George. Recent years have seen a limited diversification of irrigated agriculture away from cotton into crops such as grapes and more dryland cropping driven by the drought.

Balonne Shire Council

Towns Current Population STP Type Kerb Landfill Manned or Serviced Collect Unmanned St George 2410 Conventional 1937 Commissioner Unmanned Point Rd Dirranbandi 437 Imhoff Tank 200 Whyenbah Rd Unmanned Bollon 220 Septic 100 Balonne Hwy Unmanned Thallon 60 Septic 30 Carnarvon Hwy Unmanned Hebel 40 Septic - Castlereigh Hwy Unmanned Mungindi 40 Septic - - -

Bulloo Shire Council

The Bulloo Shire is the third largest Shire in Queensland and includes the towns of Thargomindah, Hungerford, Noccundra, and Cameron Corner. Thargomindah is the hub of the Bulloo Shire and lies on the Bulloo River, approximately 1000 km due west from along the Adventure Way. The Bulloo region offers a variety of landscapes, lakes, river systems, flora and fauna, rich history, oil and gas fields, freshwater fishing, bird watching and opal fossicking.

The township of Hungerford is located midway along the Dowling Track, 164 kilometres south of Thargomindah, near the Paroo River on the Queensland /New South Wales Border.

Noccundra, which is situated adjacent to the Wilson River, can be reached by travelling west from Thargomindah along the Adventure Way for 122 kilometres, and then driving south for 20 kilometres. Today, the community of Noccundra boasts a Hotel, Hall, Tennis Court, Cricket Pitch, Cemetery, and Race Course and Rodeo Ground, with a magnificent Waterhole, that forms part of the Wilson River, directly across the road, and an airstrip at the back of the Hotel.

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The Shire was once primary supported by cattle fattening in the famous Channel Country and large sheep properties; while these industries are still strong the Shire also hosts vast oil and gas exploration and extraction activities that bring economic benefits to our Shire. Tourism is also strong with outback travel on the increase and attractions such as the dig tree and Noccundra pub and the road that heads through to Innamincka and outback South Australia.

Unfortunately, skills have been migrated to areas where coal seam gas and resource exploration activities have increased. The Bullo Shire Council is actively pursuing policies to maintain the existing population base, with the possibility of growing the population base through working with the resource industry to base positions in Thargomindah. Council has also provided secondary education facility to entice families to continue to live in our Shire while their children complete their education.

Given the projected population figures there should be no impact on present waste stream.

Towns Current Population STP Type Kerb Collect Landfill Manned or Serviced Unmanned Thargomindah 203 Vacuum Yes Refuse Lane Unmanned system Hungerford 10 Septic Yes Chale Street Unmanned Noccundra 5 Septic No Warry Gate Unmanned Road Camp Nappamerrie Up to 30 Septic No Transferred to Unmanned Thargomindah

Maranoa Regional Council

The is located approximately 480 kilometres west of Brisbane, in the South West of Queensland and covers an area of almost 49,000 square kilometres. The primary service centre is Roma with outlying towns of Mitchell, Surat and being important centres to the community. Other smaller centres also play important roles in the region.

With a history built around agriculture and mining, the Maranoa region has continued to grow and prosper over the years. The region has a long established grazing industry and is the location of Australia’s largest cattle selling complex. Grain and cereal cropping are also prominent in the area.

Currently, the Maranoa region is the scene of massive expansion in coal seam gas exploration and mining. Thousands of coal seam gas wells are to be drilled in the region over the next twenty years.

The continued growth in mining and agricultural sectors in the Maranoa region, present many challenges as well as opportunities for not only state and local authorities but also the community. The effective management of waste is just one example of a challenge (and opportunity) that the region faces.

Towns Current Population STP Type Kerb Landfill Manned or Serviced* Collect Unmanned Amby 140 Septic - CED Yes Transfer Station Unmanned Injune 980 Imhoff Tank Yes Womblebank Gap Road Unmanned Jackson 30 Nil Yes Cemetery Road Unmanned Mitchell 900 Imhoff tank Yes St George Road Unmanned Muckadilla 6 Nil Yes Transfer Station Unmanned 60 Septic - CED Yes Transfer Station Unmanned

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Roma 7000 Imhoff tanks Yes Short St Manned Surat 430 Imhoff tank Yes Silver Springs Rd Unmanned Wallumbilla 260 Nil Yes Swan Rd Unmanned 210 Nil Yes Forestry Rd Unmanned *approximate

Murweh Shire Council

The Murweh Shire covers 43,905 km2 and consists of the towns of , Charleville, and Morven. The Murweh Shire lies in a semi-arid zone, with climates ranging on average from 15 degrees Celsius up to 37 degrees Celsius during the summer months, and in the winter months, temperatures range from 3 to 25 degrees. The Shire is situated on the Great Artesian Basin, from which potable water is drawn via bores.

Charleville is the hub of Murweh Shire, situated 766 kilometres, approximately (483 miles), west of Brisbane on the banks of the Warrego River, which flows south into the Darling River. The town has a population of about 3,500 (Shire being approximately 5,030), and is 997 feet above sea level.

Traditionally a wool growing area, declining wool prices have seen sheep replaced by cattle as the preferred option amongst property owners within the Shire.

Situated about 17 kms inside of the Shire's eastern boundary, the town of Morven (Population approx 250) has been in existence for more than a century. Morven's location on the and Western rail lines means that large numbers of livestock and thousands of bales of wool are transported by rail or road transport, thus passing through the township.

Augathella is situated in the centre of the wool growing area of the state and as such, wool and its associated work requirements provide a major source of employment for the local residents. The population of Augathella is approximately 380.

Towns Current Population STP Type Kerb Collect Landfill Manned or Serviced Unmanned Charleville 3500 Imhoff Tanks Yes Bollon Rd Manned Augathella 400 Septic - CED Yes Old Tambo Rd Unmanned Morven 250 Septic Yes Mt Mariah Rd Unmanned

Quilpie Shire Council

Located approximately 1000km west of Brisbane, the Quilpie Shire is an area of 67 485 square kilometres rich in deposits of oil, gas and boulder opal.

Quilpie is known as the home of the boulder opal. However, there is much more to this location. The artistic talents of local artists, both established and emerging are rich. Inspiration is drawn from the beautiful surrounds enjoyed by visitors and locals.

Adavale was one of the most important towns in Western Queensland with steady trade for the hotels and businesses as a result of the activity at the nearby opal fields. Originally the railway was planned for ; however a government decision to change the planned railway line route saw Quilpie become the hub.

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Eromanga is known as the town furthest from the ocean in Australia, as well as for producing around 1.5million barrels of oil per year. Significant fossil finds have also been uncovered within the Eromanga district, including ‘Cooper’ Australia’s largest dinosaur and many plant fossils.

At its peak, Cheepie had a police station, blacksmith, railway station, tent boarding houses, butcher shop, bakery and two organic vegetable gardens.

Toompine is located 75km south of Quilpie on the Thargomindah Road, the Toompine Pub is over 100 years old and plays host to an increasing number of travellers.

Rainfall and drought has a significant effect on the agricultural sector of the Shire with the average rainfall being 346.4mm and average temperatures ranging from 60 to 36.90.

Towns Current Population STP Type Kerb Landfill Manned or Serviced Collect Unmanned Quilpie 654 Imhoff Yes Diamantina Unmanned Development Road Eromanga 45 Septic - No Cooper Development Unmanned CED Road Adavale 25 Septic No Patricia Park Road Unmanned Toompine 2 Septic No Toompine Road Unmanned Cheepie 1 Septic No No N/A

Paroo Shire Council

Locates in , the Paroo Shire Council covers an area of 47,727 km and encompasses the towns of Cunnamulla, Eulo, Yowah and Wyandra and their surrounds. The population of the shire is approximately 1858.

Industries within the region include the production of wool, meat, sheep, cattle, goats, grapes and cotton as well as macropod harvesting, opal and honey production.

As within most Outback Shires, tourism is a growing industry and injects welcomed cash flow and provides employment during the cooler months.

This is an area rich in history, pride, flora and fauna and where the locals are waiting to welcome you into their lives to share this unique part of Australia.

Make your first stop, The Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Centre where staff will make you feel welcome and you leave knowing what makes this area tick.

Towns Current Population STP Type Kerb Collect Landfill Manned or Serviced Unmanned Cunnamulla 1600 Imhoff Y Y Unmanned Tank Eulo 60 Septic Y Y Unmanned Yowah 50 summer Septic N Y Unmanned Wyandra 70 Septic Y Y Unmanned

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South West Population Growth

Balonne Shire Council There is potential for growth associated with the energy sector, particularly coal seam gas in the north of the shire. There are currently two advanced petroleum exploration projects and eleven CSG related environmental authorities list by the Department of Environment Heritage Protection.

Other potential growth industries are a proposed solar farm and backpacker accommodation to service the table grape industry. Pressure on rental accommodation has been reported. This has been associated with major road works being undertaken and to a lesser extent, accommodation for energy sector workers.

Current population for the Balonne Shire Council from the 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics currently stands at 4805. Population projections for 2016 stands at 4906 with 5183 for the year of 2021.

Bulloo Shire Council Resident population for Bulloo Shire from Australian Bureau of Statistics currently stands at 377. Population projections for 2016 are 362 and for 2021 is 363. We are suffering population decline, however, as we have a small population, the loss of one or two families has a huge impact on our population.

Maranoa Regional Council The Maranoa region boasts a significant amount of natural resources in the form of natural gas (conventional and coal seam gas) and good agricultural land, specifically for beef cattle, grains and cypress timber. The current boom in coal seam gas developments is rapidly changing the region and impacting dramatically on its development.

The Maranoa region is projected to continue growing at an average annual rate between 1.3 and 2.2 percent between 2011 and 2031. The region’s population growth is likely to continue to be supported by demand for energy resources and agricultural products. As at 2011, the population for Maranoa region was 13422.

Murweh Shire Council Whilst there have been some gas line construction projects within the shire, and also some resource exploration projects, it is anticipated that changes in population (if any) will be minimal. Australian Bureau of Statistics data reports population in the shire has remained static since 2001. Consequently there should be no impact on current waste streams.

Paroo Shire Council There has been little movement in the Shire population over the past 10 years and it is not anticipated that there will be an increase over the next 3 years.

Quilpie Shire Council Sale of family owned and operated rural properties and families relocating seeking a lifestyle change or to educate their children, has been a contributing factor to the decrease in population of the Quilpie Shire over the years.

In 2011 it was recorded that there was 1034 residents within the Shire, with the projected population to be approximately 1060 in 2021.

There have been 38 Coal Exploration Permits and 5 Petroleum and Gas Exploration Permits applied for since 2010, it could be expected that the effect of this will not be felt in the area for a number of years.

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2.0 Legislation - Environmental Protection Act 1994 and Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011

The Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), along with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 (WRR Act) provide the framework for regulating waste management practices in Queensland.

The aim of the EP Act is to protect Queensland’s environment using the principle of ecologically sustainable development. That is allowing for development that improves the total quality of life in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends. Effectively, it manages potential environmental harm.

The aim of the WRR Act is to promote waste avoidance, waste reduction and resource recovery while reducing the consumption of natural resources. Effectively, its aim is to reduce the amount of material going to landfill and therefore the resources that are consumed.

In regards to waste management, the EP Act provides the following definition:

“Waste” includes any gas, liquid, solid or energy (or combination of wastes) that is surplus to, or unwanted from, any industrial, commercial, domestic or other activity, whether or not of value.

For the purposes of this waste management plan, the primary focus is on the management of waste that can be recycled.

In addition to granting authority to government for the development of regulations and policies, both Acts provide key definitions for interpretation of those regulations, policies and associated compliance.

Both Acts aim at ‘best practice environmental management’ of an activity as assessed against national and international standards within the context in which the activity operates. This includes assessment against relevant industry standards.

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3.0 Scope of Waste Management

The scope of the Waste Management Plan applies to all activities undertaken by the above southwest Councils regarding existing and future operations and projects within their Shire boundary and within the southwest region.

The objectives of this Management Plan are to ensure that appropriate procedures and programs of work are in place to:  Identify sources of waste;  Establish a framework for minimising waste generation;  Detail control measures to mitigate the impacts associated with waste;  Outline the disposal protocols for waste;  Detail the review and reporting protocols Since management procedures are varied and specific to particular types of waste, it is very important to explicitly delineate and segregate waste streams at the outset to ensure they are appropriately identified and managed. The management of some hazardous or ‘controlled’ waste is regulated by specific treatment and disposal procedures. Further, certain components of each individual waste stream may be recyclable to some extent. It is thus necessary to firstly define ‘wastes’ so they may be clearly separated and managed according to best practice procedures.

The purpose of this Management Plan, is to seek change regionally across southwest Queensland. This document is appropriate since it is explicitly applicable to the regulatory framework of waste management under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 and subsidiary Regulations in Queensland.

Accordingly, the purpose of this WMP is to provide guidance to Southwest Councils, their employees and contractors in regards to the minimisation and management of waste streams generated by their communities.

A large part of the waste minimisation process is appropriate diversion of recyclable or re-usable materials from the waste stream. Recycling not only reduces landfill requirements and associated costs, but the offsite sale of recycled items and/or on-site re-use of materials may be financially desirable in many instances. However, recycling strategies must be considered within a regional context because material transport costs linked with the long travelling distances and general isolation of the southwest often erodes potential profit via the sale of recyclable materials (sometimes to the point of non-viability). The success of recycling programs for any type of material will rely on the presence of a suitable quantity of the recyclable resource (accumulation or stockpiling over time is often required), and viable transportation options of moving these products to markets. Specific management measures aimed at separating, recycling and or re-using ‘waste’ materials generated by the southwest region are provided . The first step of effective recycling strategies is to identify recyclable or re-usable materials. Materials that may potentially be recycled or re-used for various purposes are listed below:

• glass - Recycle for sale • aluminium cans - Recycle for sale • scrap metal - Recycle for sale • paper - Recycle for sale or diversion from waste • wooden pallets - Re-use on-site or return to vendor • vegetative waste - Re-use as mulch for dust suppression on site • oily waste - Treat and re-use on-site

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• tyres - Return to vendor or rubber recyclers for sale • batteries - Recycle to battery recyclers

The viability of these recycling options will be holistically assessed accounting for transport costs, sale price of recycled materials and other more indirect savings (e.g. reduced landfill requirements, reduced procurement needs by re-using materials on-site etc.). Viable recyclable or re-usable materials will be segregated from the general waste stream. Induction of employees and contractors will involve training as to which items are to be recycled. Wherever practicable, separate bins and signage for general waste and recyclable items will be placed at the initial point of disposal. Further segregation of waste and recyclable materials shall occur at the central waste processing facility.

The southwest Councils will endeavour to identify practicable recycling opportunities wherever they exist, and commits to becoming involved in any viable regional recycling programs that are initiated.

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4.0. Waste Hierarchy The waste and resource management hierarchy is a nationally and internationally accepted guide for prioritising waste and resource management practices. Use of the hierarchy in Queensland is not new, and it was introduced in legislation in 2000 with the commencement of the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000.

Although the hierarchy provides an effective framework for dealing with waste, the accepted wisdom that it contains is not being implemented in a coordinated manner in Queensland. In order to start changing behaviour and the way people perceive waste—in other words, to begin the journey towards valuing the things society wastes—this strategy uses the hierarchy to underpin its goals and actions. This recognises the value of used materials as resources and removes the implication that they have no value because they have been discarded. The strategy regards the hierarchy as a key principle for guiding waste and resource management practices in Queensland while still recognising the need for flexibility based on local and regional economic, social and environmental conditions.

The hierarchy sets out the preferred order for consideration of management options and underpins the programs and actions contained in this strategy. The hierarchy is a decision-support tool that states that waste reduction is the preferred option, followed by reuse, recycling, other recovery and, finally, disposal. However, it also needs to be acknowledged that recycling is only a step along the way. Implementing the strategies and actions contained in this strategy will progressively shift the emphasis from recycling toward a culture where waste reduction is an accepted lifestyle choice and the usual way of doing business for Queenslanders.

Reduce Making sure that waste is not generated in the first place. Examples:  Changing production processes to avoid waste generation at its source.  Reducing consumption to avoid unnecessary products or packaging such as plastic bags.  Where practical, purchasing items in bulk to reduce packaging; buying durable items designed to be repaired not discarded.  Dematerialisation of packaging to reduce the amount of resources needed to manufacture the product. For example, an aluminium drink can weighs around 14.7 g today compared to 16.55 g in 1992, providing an 11 per cent reduction in raw material use.  Reducing the use of raw materials as an input. For example, glass bottle manufacture uses up to 20 per cent recycled glass, saving raw materials in the form of sand, limestone and soda ash.  Treating regulated wastes to reduce the hazard characteristics and rendering it suitable to be reused or recycled.

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Reuse Using products or packaging again without further manufacturing. Examples:  Purchasing second-hand and refurbished goods.  Purchasing and returning refillable containers. For example, retailers such as The Body Shop sell some products in returnable, refillable containers and Coles Supermarkets use returnable, washable and reusable plastic trays in the fruit and vegetable section.

Recycle Processing materials to make the same or different products. Examples:  Making new glass bottles and jars from used bottles and jars.  Processing end-of-life tyres to manufacture soft-fall for playgrounds.  Processing used paper into insulating products.  Plastic high density polyethylene (HDPE) milk bottles into wheelie bins.  Composting green and organic waste.  Using fly ash produced by power stations to manufacture cement.

Other recovery Includes capturing the energy available in discarded products. Examples:  Accelerating and collecting the gas generated in a bioreactor landfill by the decomposition of organic waste to generate electricity.  Using residual waste as a coal or gas substitute in boilers, incinerators, etc.

Treat Treat waste prior to disposal to reduce the hazard characteristics of the waste. Examples:  Treat clinical waste prior to disposal  Encapsulate liquid regulated wastes  Stabilise organic wastes prior to landfill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Dispose A final option, when no further use can be gained from the material. Examples:  Landfilling of residual bottom ash from incineration facilities  Landfilling of materials such as asbestos for which no other options exist  Thermal destruction of some intractable wastes, such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compounds and  Pesticides, resulting in CO2 and water as by-products

Strategy goals Based on these principles, this management plant will aim to:  reduce waste  optimise recovery and recycling  develop sustainable waste industries and jobs

The goals highlight the areas where action is necessary to secure real progress in achieving the vision of a low waste Queensland.

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5.0 Identify Waste Streams

For waste managers within Local Government and for the purpose of a regional waste management plan, grouping wastes into streams according to their source, often makes most sense. The following waste streams were identified

Waste classification has been undertaken and is classified into the following waste classes:  special waste  liquid waste  general solid waste (putrescible)  general solid waste (non-putrescible)  hazardous waste

Special waste Asbestos Waste Waste Tyres Clinical Waste Liquid Waste Waste oil Degreaser Engine coolant Water treatment plant waste water General Solid Waste (putrescible) Animal Waste (dead animals) Food Waste General Solid Waste (non-putrescible) Municipal Waste Paper and cardboard Silt, sediment, litter & gross pollutants Garden Waste Wood Waste Concrete Waste Virgin excavated material Building and demolition waste Scrap metal Air filters Plastic drums Hazardous Waste Batteries Chemical Drums Aerosols Oil filters Empty oil drums Waste grease

Special Waste Special waste is a class of waste that has unique regulatory requirements. The potential environmental impacts of special waste need to be managed to minimise the risk of harm to the environment and human health. Special waste means any of the following:  clinical and related waste

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 asbestos waste  waste tyres

Liquid Waste Liquid waste means any waste that:  has an angle of repose of less than 5 degrees above horizontal, or  becomes free-flowing at or below 60 degrees Celsius or when it is transported, or  is generally not capable of being picked up by a spade or shovel.

General Solid Waste (putrescible) The following wastes have been classified “general solid waste (putrescible)”:

 household waste that contains putrescible organics  waste from litter bins collected by or on behalf of local councils  manure and night soil  disposable nappies, incontinence pads or sanitary napkins  food waste  animal waste  grit or screenings from sewage treatment systems that have been dewatered so that the grit or screenings do not contain free liquids  any mixture of the wastes referred to above.

General Solid Waste (non- putrescible) The following wastes have been pre-classified as “general solid waste (non-putrescible)”:  glass, plastic, rubber, plasterboard, ceramics, bricks, concrete or metal  paper or cardboard  household waste from municipal clean-up that does not contain food waste  waste collected by, or on behalf of, local councils from street sweepings  grit, sediment, litter and gross pollutants collected in, and removed from, stormwater treatment devices and/or stormwater management systems that have been dewatered so that they do not contain free liquids  grit and screenings from potable water and water reticulation plants that have been dewatered so that they do not contain free liquids  garden waste  wood waste  waste contaminated with lead (including lead paint waste) from residential premises or educational or child care institutions  containers, previously containing dangerous goods, from which residues have been removed by washing or vacuuming  drained oil filters (mechanically crushed), rags and oil-absorbent materials that only contain non- volatile petroleum hydrocarbons and do not contain free liquids  drained motor oil containers that do not contain free liquids  non-putrescible vegetative waste from agriculture, silviculture or horticulture

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 building cavity dust waste removed from residential premises or educational or child care institutions, being waste that is packaged securely to prevent dust emissions and direct contact  synthetic fibre waste (from materials such as fibreglass, polyesters and other plastics) being waste that is packaged securely to prevent dust emissions, but excluding asbestos waste  virgin excavated natural material  building and demolition waste  asphalt waste (including asphalt resulting from road construction and waterproofing works)  biosolids categorised as unrestricted use, or restricted use 1, 2 or 3, in accordance with the criteria set out in the biosolids Guidelines  cured concrete waste from a batch plant  fully cured and set thermosetting polymers and fibre-reinforcing resins  fully cured and dried residues of resins, glues, paints, coatings and inks  any mixture of the wastes referred to above

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6.0 Assessment of Waste Streams The strategy for waste management is minimisation and segregation at the source. The benefits for minimising and separating waste streams include:  reducing the potential for contamination of general waste streams;  improving the ease of waste storage, handling, disposal and tracking;  educating employees of the importance of waste steam segregation and recycling;  potentially generating an income from recyclable waste streams; and  reducing the potential disposal costs for some items. From this strategy the southwest Councils identified certain waste streams that could be regionally marketed to reduce the costs associated with recycling.

Waste Tyres Identify a recycler to collect tyres from the region Waste Oil Identify a recycler to collect waste oil from the region

Paper & Cardboard Identify a recycler to collect cardboard from region to support transport costs

Garden Waste/Greenwaste Look at costs associated with a tub Wood waste grinder for region Look at fire control of greenwaste

Concrete Waste Look at costs associated with a tub grinder for region to support other alternatives for road infrastructure

Scrap Metal Use same recycler to remove scrap from landfills in the region to help associated costs for transport

Batteries Look at local schools and investigate transport companies in freighting batteries to a recycler free of charge

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Chemical Drums Support Drumuster in the removal of all chemical drums from the region

Aluminium Cans Look at using the same recycler to improve recycling from the domestic collection service

Steel Cans Look at using the same recycler to improve recycling from the domestic collection service

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7.0 Targets of the Waste Strategy

As per the Queensland State Strategy the aim over the next decade with see Queensland:

 Reduce waste to landfill  Reduce landfill gas emissions  Increase the recovery and recycling of resources across all waste streams  Reduce generation of waste  Reduce the total amount of, and the environmental impacts from, litter and illegal dumping.

Key target and dates Target 2008 baseline By 2014 By 2017 By 2020 Reduce waste Business as usual Reduce landfill Reduce landfill Reduce landfill disposal to landfill, no strategy disposal by 25% disposal by 40% disposal by 50% compared to business-as-usual projections Increase recycling 35% 50% 60% 75% of construction and demolition waste Increase recycling 18% 40% 50% 60% of commercial and industrial waste Increase recycling 30% 35% 40% 45% of regulated waste Increase recycling 23% 50% 55% 65% of municipal solid waste. Target 150: Increase recycling of household waste to 150kg per person per year Reduce generation 2.4 tonnes per 5% reduction 10% reduction 15% reduction of waste person per year 2.3 tonnes per 2.2 tonnes per 2 tonnes per person per year person per year person per year

The aim of the southwest Councils will be to reduce waste input into landfills and increase recycling by 10% over the next three years with a minimum of 5% excluding the impact of the resources industry.

Key target and dates Target 2012 current figures 2013 2014 2015 Reduce waste 1 tonne per household Target is to disposal to landfill, per annum reduce to landfill compared to by 2015 to 0.8 business-as-usual tonnes per projections household

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Increase recycling Increase recycling by of construction and 10% by better demolition waste separation and segregation along with education of the community Increase recycling Increase scrap metal of commercial and and concrete recycling industrial waste by 10% by better separation and segregation along with education of the community Increase recycling Increase better of regulated waste awareness and engage with companies for recycling of regulated waste Increase recycling Look at options of of municipal solid recycling within Shire waste. boundaries – engage Target 150: with contractors to find Increase recycling viability for the increase of household of recycling waste to 150kg per person per year Reduce generation Education & community of waste awareness Energy & Look at options to Resources Sector engage a contractor to Waste generated remove liquid waste by liquid waste and options for beneficial re-use Energy & Local government has Resources Sector – limited ability in this Waste generated area as permits for by large mess these industries are camps issued by State Government. Therefore negotiations between local government and the contractors must take place prior to the operation of the mess camp Energy & Member of Councils will Resources Sector ensure that any future DA’s will be conditioned to ensure that waste will be recycled and records kept by the DA holder.

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Charity Councils will also Organisations consult with charity organisations to help promote recycling & reuse of furniture and clothing. (e.g. Lifeline, Vinnies) Local Community Councils will also encourage residents to remove and relocate dwellings rather than demolish in to landfills.

The group will work together over the next twelve months to design and strategies on education programmes to increase community’s awareness and availability of recycling opportunities.

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8.0 Operational and Verification Monitoring Programs

Objectives to reduce and increase recycling with region

The southwest group of Councils tend to rely on landfill sites, sometimes with very low levels of management and engineering. Many sites struggle to employ sufficient staff to improve the level of site management. Understanding the standard and nature of the infrastructure that is currently in place will provide a basis for better planning and coordination in the future. The information gathered from the regional waste management group is a starting point for understanding the capacity and limitations of existing infrastructure. It should be noted that the information gathered from these meetings does not represent the full picture. It is anticipated that additional information will be gathered using subsequent meetings to update and improve the accuracy of this infrastructure knowledge.

At present information on the source, amount and types of waste in the South-west Queensland region is incomplete. The collation of waste management data is not consistent across the region and does not facilitate a regional planning approach for all waste types. There are some landfills in the region for which no data is held at all; for others only estimates are available. This does not provide data of sufficient detail to allow targeting of waste minimisation programs to waste types or sources.

Member Councils whose landfills receive trackable Regulated Waste also have a regulatory requirement to provide detailed information on this waste to the EHP. Consideration should therefore be given to establishing a coordinated waste database maintained by each Shire Council, however enabling the amalgamation of data for a regional perspective. This would provide a means of measuring achievements against planned targets and determine the success of minimisation and education strategies.

Each member Council is to be responsible in monitoring their own performance and that the group is committed to meet three (3) times per year to discuss the monitoring and performance.

Objectives of the Waste Management Committee

Objective Responsible Action Completion Person Establish commitment from local All LGA’s Set up regional waste Group Established May government managers to comply management group. 2012. with all relevant Legislation. Meet Regional at least 3 times per year. Ongoing Consult with Management on All LGA’s waste handling & storage issues. Ongoing Conduct a waste audit and All LGA’s Implement practices to prepare a report of current waste establish waste data so Annually generation, segregation, that accurate reporting handling, storage and disposal can be maintained. practices.

Implement an ongoing waste All LGA’s To develop waste management program which management plan for 1 December 2012 helps to increase waste disposal south west region. practices across the region.

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Improve the recycling program All LGA’s Improve signage at and increase recycling by at least landfill to improve July 2013 3% (need measures) Taskforce 12 segregation of recyclable months. materials.

Promote waste management All LGA’s Media campaign principles throughout the region throughout schools, Ongoing (signs, posters, notice boards, community and business bulletins, competitions etc.). identities, liasion with community groups. Liaise with council, private waste All LGA’s Ongoing periodic contractors with regard to the meetings with Ongoing transport and disposal of waste contractors to discuss from townships located within waste management the shire boundaries. strategies and innovations. Conduct a Waste Management All LGA’s To conduct surveys to Audit annually and review the collect data. Annually Waste Management Plan.

The group will prepare a report All LGA’s To prepare an annual on an annual basis to be report to Council and Annually submitted to members of other stakeholders. Council, and other stakeholders informing them of the progress and the shortcomings in implementing this plan.

Municipal waste generation by Households

Local Government Number of Households Waste generated by Waste per person per households annum Balonne Shire Council 2267 3011 tonnes inclusive of 1 tonne greenwaste Bulloo Shire Council 100 82 tonnes 0.3 tonne Maranoa Regional 3969 25000 cubic metres 2.04 cubic metres Council Murweh Shire Council 1790 2094 tonnes 0.5 tonnes Quilpie Shire Council 383 383 tonnes 1tonne Paroo Shire Council 584 300 tonnes 1 tonne

Waste generation by Local Government

Local Government Waste generated 2012 Waste generated 2013 Waste generated 2014 Balonne Shire Council 275 tonnes Bulloo Shire Council 5 tonnes Maranoa Regional 500 tonnes Council Murweh Shire Council 200 tonnes Quilpie Shire Council 80 tonnes Paroo Shire Council 75 tonnes

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Waste generation by Business

Local Government Waste generated 2012 Waste generated 2013 Waste generated 2014 Balonne Shire Council 1475 tonnes Bulloo Shire Council 41 tonnes Maranoa Regional 25000 cubic metres Council Murweh Shire Council 1800 tonnes Quilpie Shire Council 70 tonnes Paroo Shire Council 50 tonnes

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The following tables outline objectives set by the committee. Targets and performance indicators will be analysed over the next twelve months so that accurate information and data can be sourced rather than the current subjective methodology. Currently the only data can be obtained by monitoring the landfill visually and estimates of waste deposited at the site.

Number Management Measure Responsibility Target/Performance Reporting Evidence Status Indicator 1 Quantify the volume of all All LGA’s individual streams of recyclable/re-usable materials diverted from the waste stream. 2 Record the monthly volume of All LGA’s all individual landfill and controlled waste streams, including: • Putrescible landfill waste • Oil waste • Tyres • Greenwaste • Scrap Metal Or any other individual waste stream. 3 Investigate the cost All LGA’s effectiveness of engaging a commercial waste management operator to manage recyclable waste across the region. 4 Increase recycle and/or re-use All LGA’s viable materials where practicable, considering transport costs, sale price and indirect savings.

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5 Continue segregation and All LGA’s stockpiling of C&D waste at each transfer station/landfill to maximise landfill space therefore allowing for volume estimates/future recycling. 6 Investigate the hire of a All LGA’s crusher to remove current C&D stockpiles at the regions landfills with potential for crushing region’s stockpiled C&D material in the future. 7 Continue the segregation and All LGA’s processing (where possible) of greenwaste and increase monitoring of greenwaste disposal (where possible) to minimise contaminated loads. Where shredding not viable, controlled burning of greenwaste material.

8 Continue DrumMuster All LGA’s Program across the region.

9 All LGA’s to participate in All LGA’s MobileMuster.

10 Investigate dry cell battery All LGA’s recycling.

11 Investigate the viability of All LGA’s E-Waste Recycling in the region.

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12 Those Shires accepting tyres All LGA’s continue stockpiling of used tyres whilst remaining compliant with ERA Licence regulations.

13 Continue to work with all All LGA’s LGA’s in the region in regards to reducing costs for used oil collections.

14 Investigate a Memorandum of All LGA’s Understanding (MoU) between LGA’s with the aim of improved waste management efficiencies across the region.

15 Investigate regional contracts MRC for the provision of waste QSC services for the region PSC - Waste collection Bulloo SC -Greenwaste MSC shredding/composting - Recycling

16 Investigate installation of Bulloo SC baler at landfills/transfer stations (where practical) to increase recycling efficiencies.

17 Periodic regional meetings to All LGA’s discuss waste management across the region.

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18 Upgrade LGA websites in All LGA’s regards to waste management and education.

19 Implement improved waste All LGA’s management practices.

20 Review strategic waste All LGA’s management plan every 3 years.

21 Annual Environmental Reports All LGA’s to Community. Continue to promote success of recycling activities of communities and schools in their recycling efforts.

22 Develop monitoring and All LGA’s reporting regime for the region.

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9.0 Waste Managment Initiatives

 The Southwest Councils have formed a Waste Management Group that will meet at least three times per year to discuss opportunities and outcomes for better waste management.

 The purpose of this group will show a collaborative commitment amongst the Southwest Councils in their approach to waste management.

 Council’s will have the potential for cooperative benefits such as scrap metal, concrete recycling and greenwaste.

 A comprehensive regional approach to increase the yield (tonnages) of recyclable products from Southwest Queensland.

 To find best practice for all commercial and domestic recycling that engages all communities in the region to recycle (kerbside or community based) to their capacity.

Benefits to Council from this cooperative approach are as follows:-

 Signage and segregation options  Scrap Metal recycling  Concrete recycling  Greenwaste  Oil waste  Cans  Glass  Batteries

Annual Kerbside Clean Up Service All southwest Councils can provide an annual kerbside clean-up for bulky household items, garden organics and whitegoods.

Household Chemical Clean Out Free household chemical drop-off days are run each year in conjunction with Chemclear. The events provide an opportunity for resident to safely dispose of paint, oil and general household chemicals.

Needle Collection Service A free needle disposal service is available for residents within the southwest. Disposal units are located at the following:-  Goondir Health, Victoria Street, St George  All hospitals located within the southwest

Mobile muster The Mobile muster program is run during the year and collection boxes are deposited at schools for the collection and recycling of mobile phones. Australia Post also runs this program.

The Queensland State Strategy continues to recognise the importance of the waste hierarchy to guide effective resource management. It acknowledges, however, that different materials require different approaches. The choice of approach, including re-use, recycling and energy from waste, will depend on a balance of factors including economic and environmental considerations. Other factors that will influence the approach adopted for specific materials include: availability of supply, markets for recyclate, economic,

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The Southwest Council’s vision for their communities is underpinned by a drive for sustainability. It is essential that in encouraging the community to participate in sustainable waste management that all Councils leads by example. The Southwest Councils can do this by developing and implementing initiatives to improve Council’s own corporate waste and sustainability performance. This would allow Council to demonstrate that it ‘walks the talk’ and is on the same sustainability journey as the community.

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10.0 Effective implementation of the Waste Management Plan

Effective implementation of the southwest regional waste management plan relies on active partnerships, management arrangements and multi-disciplinary initiatives by a range of players including all local governments, industry and the community. This sense of shared responsibility is a major factor of this regional waste management strategy and is reflected in this implementation Plan.

To ensure that the Regional Waste Management Strategy becomes a live document it is imperative that an organisational structure is developed to take on the responsibility for implementing and reviewing the strategy. This waste management body should have well defined responsibilities for implementation of regional programs in coordination with member Councils’ objectives. This should include facilitation of waste minimisation strategies (such as awareness and education programs), as well as infrastructure planning and establishment. The body would also be responsible for ongoing review of the Regional Waste Management Strategy. The review of the Regional Waste Management Strategy must become an ongoing process to ensure that the document remains relevant and up to date. It will become necessary to amend the strategy in line with environmental legislation and policy decisions. The Waste Management Regulation requires review of the Regional Waste Management Strategy on at least a three year basis.

Waste minimisation and recycling are becoming increasingly important issues in everyday living requirements for the community and Councils who are responsible for waste management. The is advocating waste minimisation as a key consideration in waste management planning undertaken by councils. To achieve this it is important that the entire community receives waste minimisation messages so that Council programs on waste minimisation are effective.

Councils provide waste collection and recycling services that vary throughout the region. An effective community education campaign should cater for both regional and individual needs to maximise the impact that changes in waste collection services, resource recovery and recycling make throughout the region. This will progressively encourage waste minimisation participation by households in order to utilise the Council resources effectively.

This efficient and environmentally responsible approach to waste management will help all local governments located in the southwest region of Queensland.

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