Long term national waste solution must be prioritised

Australia needs a long-term national solution for the waste and recycling industry, Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said today at the Queensland waste forum in Bundaberg.

“China’s ban on imported recycling is a major issue for all states and territories, and solutions to the unfolding problem should be a national priority,” Ms Enoch said.

“Like the rest of Australia, Queensland’s domestic recycling capabilities are under pressure following China’s decision.

“Today I am meeting with representatives from local government and the waste industry in Bundaberg to discuss practical opportunities in local communities.

“I want to encourage out-of-the-box thinking and group dialogue on smarter, innovative options to better manage, reuse and recycle waste.

“Today’s meeting is providing an opportunity for stakeholders to share local challenges when it comes to waste, and discuss improved systems and processes.

“While there are many challenges to overcome, there is also an opportunity to facilitate local solutions and growing domestic markets that reduce our reliance on exports.”

Minister Enoch said improvements at a local level could help the Federal Government in their work towards a national long-term solution.

“I look forward to taking local feedback from the Bundaberg forum to my meeting with State and Territory Environment Ministers tomorrow, and I also look forward to hearing what the Federal Government has to say about the best way forward for the recycling industry,” Ms Enoch said.

Last month the Palaszczuk Government announced it would develop a new resource recovery and waste management strategy, underpinned by a waste levy, following recommendations from the report from Justice Peter Lyons.

“We have made the commitment that a waste levy will not cost Queenslanders any more to put their wheelie bins out,” Ms Enoch said.

“The levy will provide a valuable funding source to reinvest into programs to recover more and attract industry investment and innovation.

“We want to reset the agenda and start talking about positive solutions and opportunities for the recycling industry, local governments and businesses in Queensland.”

Waste Recycling Industry Queensland Chief Executive Officer Rick Ralph said a national approach was needed and that there was an opportunity for Australia to re-focus on how we manage waste.

“We need to re-set our position when it comes to waste management and recycling across Australia, particularly when it comes to re-manufacturing,” he said.

“Today’s meeting in Bundaberg is important as it allows us to open up the discussion even further.

“We need to rebuild community confidence when it comes to recycling, and we also need to hear from other stakeholders about how we can work together towards a solution for the short, medium and long term.”

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