The Queensland government has funded six councils to collaborate on a regional waste and resource recovery management plan.

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, Bundaberg and Gympie, Fraser Coast, North Burnett and South Burnett councils are participating in the scheme, which is backed by $300,000 of state government funding.

The plan outlines initiatives and infrastructure investments needed to deliver  co-ordinated services and reduce household landfill waste across the region.

The plan also identifies opportunities to divert food waste from landfill into organic processing via commercial and home compositing and the establishment of community composting hubs.

Participating councils will also undertake community education programs focusing on reducing contamination of recycling bins with food waste, regional minister Bruce Saunders said.

More than 460,000 tonnes of waste is generated by the region’s 300,000 residents each year.

Boost for resident-focused sustainability

Bundaberg Regional Council, which is currently trialing FOGO and free green waste disposal, says the initiative will boost it’s resident-focused sustainability efforts and boost the economy.

“The Regional Waste and Resource Recovery Management plan aligns with Bundaberg Regional Council’’s ongoing commitment to creating a sustainable future for our community,” Mayor Jack Dempsey said.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor George Seymour said Council is currently investing in a new Materials Recovery Facility and having a regional plan will help coordinate investment and education.

“We hope it will help provide a clearer pathway for regional communities like ours to secure funding for food organics and garden organics services,” he said.

“We look forward to working with the Queensland Government to achieve the goals and targets set in the plan.”

‘Landmark blueprint’

Environment Minister Leanne Linard described the initiative as a landmark blueprint in helping regional councils to modernise their waste management practices and facilities.

“Resource recovery is essential in our drive for environmental sustainability, embodying the principles of a circular economy by reusing, recycling, and re-purposing materials and energy sources, thereby reducing waste generation and conserving valuable resources,” she said in a statement.

“This not only reduces the strain on our finite resources but also minimises the sometimes harmful environmental impacts associated with waste disposal.”