Ipswich presents innovative solutions at waste resources convention

11 October 2018

The City of Ipswich has unveiled revolutionary recycling plans at the opening of the inaugural Future Waste Resources 2018 convention today.

Interim administrator Greg Chemello told FWR delegates Ipswich and neighbouring councils are looking to spearhead a campaign which would aim to bring the world’s best recycling solutions to the region.

“Ipswich is working collaboratively with neighbouring and interested local governments on a South-East Queensland sub-regional waste and resource recovery alliance.  We know the challenges and opportunities for better managing waste are best addressed on a regional or sub-regional basis,” he said.

“This sub-regional alliance will be working to identify potential industry partners who are serious contenders for the provision of waste management and recycling services across local government boundaries.

“I’m hopeful that the alliance will provide multiple benefits, including more scalable options for waste and resource recovery solutions, shared project management, funding resources and major infrastructure, and a collaborative approach that can optimise and enhance waste management and resource recovery solutions.”

Mr Chemello said that in conjunction with council's existing sustainable practices that are continually pushing innovation and improvement, Ipswich wants to be leading the way towards zero waste, and managing waste as valuable resources within a circular economy approach.

The convention, taking place at Queensland’s historic and oldest manufacturing centre, The Workshops Rail Museum in North Ipswich from 11-13 October, is being hosted by Waste, Recycling Industry Association of Queensland (WRIQ), supported by the City of Ipswich. It will provide critical information about how Queenslanders can achieve waste diversion and recycling targets.

Mr Chemello said council’s support of the FWR convention is “another marker in our sustainability and resource recovery journey”.

“Ipswich City Council views the current waste management and recycling circumstances we are all facing as a prime opportunity to make a ‘once in a generation’ strategic decision to shape the future of the waste management and recycling landscape in Ipswich, and across the region,” he said.

Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch officially opened the convention, saying it was an opportunity to focus on real solutions to current challenges. She said the State Government would work with the community and industry to reduce landfill and encourage resource recovery.

“I’m delighted to see that industry leaders are looking to the future, and preparing to make the most of the opportunities ahead,” she said.

“We are in a fortunate position to have internationally competitive businesses right here in Queensland, using cutting-edge technologies and processes for turning waste into valuable and profitable, products and services.

“We want to build on that competitive advantage.

“Changing how we manage waste in Queensland will create jobs and drive significant economic growth as we make better use of resources and develop new industries.”

WRIQ Chief Executive Officer Rick Ralph said the convention has brought together more than 250 attendees from across industry and state and local government.

“This is the largest convention of its kind in Queensland history, focussing on future waste and recycling solutions for the state,” he said.

“It is wonderful the convention is being held at one the oldest manufacturing centres to show the possibilities for the future.”

The first two days of the convention will include international keynote speakers and presentations, including topics of the bio-industry, construction industry, production and packaging sectors.

The final day, Saturday, will be a council-supported open day in which the community will be invited to visit the equipment and trade exhibits, speak with re-processors, local manufacturers/composters and recyclers and engage directly with waste businesses, plus council-led education sessions and towards zero waste workshops.

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