Council partners with Outlook Australia to manage landfills

Council is pleased to announce a significant step towards enhancing our resource recovery capabilities by entering into a contract with Outlook Australia.

This partnership will see Outlook Australia manage two vital resource recovery centres located in Blackwater and Tieri which have been externally managed since 2016.

Outlook Australia’s Environmental Division brings over 25 years of experience in resource recovery and waste management to the table, making them a trusted partner in this endeavour.

Mayor Kerry Hayes commented on the new partnership.

‘Outlook Australia has a well-established presence in the region, having worked with neighbouring councils such as Banana and Livingstone. They come to us highly recommended and with a wealth of experience,’ he said.

‘While this partnership signifies a significant development, it is important to note that the majority of council’s manned facilities, including our largest landfill, Lochlees, will continue to be operated and controlled directly by council,’ Mayor Hayes continued.

The contract between council and Outlook Australia is set for an initial 3-year term.

‘Our shared goal is to improve waste management practices, ultimately increasing our diversion rates from landfill,’ Mayor Hayes said.

‘This aligns with our overarching Waste, Reduction and Recycling Plan, which places a strong emphasis on contributing to a circular economy.

‘We look forward to working closely with Outlook Australia and the local community to achieve our waste reduction goals and create a more sustainable future for the region,’ he said.

Interim CEO for Outlook Australia Graham Kelly was excited by the expansion of services within regional Queensland.

‘We have received a great welcome to the region and look forward to continuing to provide a critical service to the communities of the Central Highlands,’ Mr Kelly said.

‘Since the contract signing Outlook has been able to secure a number of locals to become part of our expanded team. These facilities will be supported by a team of 10 including a dedicated locally based Area Supervisor and Qld Regional Manager also based locally,’ he continued.   

As a social enterprise, Outlook is committed to creating opportunities within its integrated workplaces for those who may be experiencing disadvantage or other barriers to employment to help them participate more inclusively in the communities we operate in.  By combining social and environmental outcomes as well as a focus on continuous improvement Outlook looks to deliver a true win-win to council and its residents.

If you have any enquiries, please contact council on 1300 242 686.

L-R, Mayor Kerry Hayes, Brian (Outlook Australia employee), Lori Giles (Outlook Regional Qld Manager), John McDougall (General Manager – Communities), Deputy Mayor Cr Christine Rolfe, Interim CEO Graeme Kelly (Outlook Australia), Tracey Jackson (Manager Resource Recovery and Environmental Health). L-R, Mayor Kerry Hayes, Deputy Mayor Cr Christine Rolfe, Interim CEO Graeme Kelly (Outlook Australia)