Road map provides a new direction for disaster waste management

The Scenic Rim will be better prepared to manage waste when a natural disaster or extreme weather event occurs following the adoption of its Waste Services Resilience Roadmap. 

Developed in consultation with the community as part of Council's Disaster Waste Management Project funded by the Australian Government, the roadmap endorsed at today's Ordinary Meeting supports Council's commitment to innovative waste management and resource recovery. 

Mayor Greg Christensen said Queensland is often impacted by natural disasters and the Scenic Rim has frequently experienced localised flooding, due to the effects of tropical cyclones and severe storms, as well as bushfires. 

"Disaster events not only disrupt essential waste services but also result in significant volumes of waste being generated," he said. 

"This includes storm debris, damaged property and infrastructure, animal carcasses and waste resulting from the disaster response.

"Planning that encompasses the management of disrupted waste services, as well as the volume and type of waste expected to be generated as a result of natural disasters, will assist Council in providing the necessary services to the community during challenging times." 

Council's commitment to a shift towards a circular economy, which reduces environmental impacts and aims to maximise the economic benefits of innovative waste management, was underscored in its adoption in 2021 of its Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy. 

In line with Council's vision of zero avoidable waste being disposed of to landfill, the Disaster Waste Management Project has seen the development of the Waste Services Resilience Road Map and the Disaster Waste Management Plan. 

The road map identifies short and long-term options for Council to enhance its resilience in managing waste while the management plan will provide a framework for coordinating the delivery of waste services during and after a disaster. 

"Since the establishment of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority following the 2010-2011 floods, the Scenic Rim has experienced a number of significant natural disasters which have impacted our state," Mayor Christensen said. 

"We know that a swift and efficient waste management response can limit the environmental, public health, social and economic consequences of disaster events that can have a lasting effect on the community and help the recovery process. 

"Council is grateful for the Australian Government's support of $82,965 through the Preparing Australian Communities Program - Local Stream that has funded the development of the Disaster Waste Management Plan and the Waste Services Resilience Road Map."