Local Authority Waste Management Advisory Committee
(LAWMAC)
Draft Minutes
Arcadia Village Meeting Room
1-4 Marine Parade, Magnetic Island
Friday27th November 2015
Attendees:
Cr Alan WilsonCook Shire Council
Cr Laurence BonaventuraMackay Regional Council
Mr Jason GrandcourtMackay Regional Council
Mr Brett WhiteMackay Regional Council
Mr Dietmar PetersWhitsunday Regional Council
Ms Anne McLaughlinBurdekin Shire Council
Ms Emily JonesBurdekin Shire Council
Cr Ray GartrellTownsville City Council
Mr Gary EwartTownsville City Council
Mr Matthew McCarthyTownsville City Council
Ms Melanie FieldTownsville City Council
Mr Nigel CrumptonCairns Regional Council
Mr Dan DixonCairns Regional Council
Cr Bernie RobertsonCharters Towers Regional Council
Mr Michael LangburneCharters Towers Regional Council
Cr Glenn RaleighCassowary Coast Regional Council
Mr Mark AllpressCassowary Coast Regional Council
Mr Robert NuttCassowary Coast Regional Council
Mr Ian KuhlKuhl Meadows/Honorary Member
Cr Nipper BrownMareeba Shire Council
Mr Morris HamillMareeba Shire Council
Ms Amy YatesMareeba Shire Council
Cr Sherry KaurilaHinchinbrook Shire Council
Ms Paula IngersonHinchinbrook Shire Council
Mr Robert FergusonLGAQ Brisbane
Ms Christine BlanchardBCC/Honorary Member
Ms Kylie HughesEHP – Brisbane
Mr Julian ChanEHP – Brisbane
Mr Simon VanderduysEHP – Townsville
Ms Wendy LoganEHP – Townsville
Mr Allard BernhofenRecycling Design Technologies
Mr Simon KalinowskiMandalay Technologies
Mr Paul TheodorouMandalay Technologies
Mr Kumar KannanMandalay Technologies
Mr James BeggGolder Associates
Ms Rosanna SandersonAECOM
Mr Chris WhiteSuez Environment
Mr Gavin TunstallSuez Environment
Mr Steve CosattoFNQROC
Mr Josh LannenMAMS Group
Ms Louise LannenMAMS Group
Mr Steve Curran Campbell Page/Palm Island WFTD
Ms Grazia GargiuloSimtars
Mr Tim MallinsonSimtars
Ms Mary FieldLAWMAC Secretary
Apologies:
Cr Richie BatesCairns Regional Council
Cr Tom GilmoreMareeba Shire Council
Cr Pierina Dalle CortBurdekin Shire Council
Mr Sheils BarraCook Shire Council
Ms Kristina DavidsonCook Shire Council
Cr Peter RamageWhitsunday Regional Council
Cr Julia LeuDouglas Shire Council
Ms Donna GrahamDouglas Shire Council
Mr John PettigrewCassowary Coast Regional Council
Mr Bill CuthbertsonTorres Shire Council
Mr Shannon GormanMackay Regional Council
Mr Tudor TanaseHinchinbrook Shire Council
Mr Kevin DaviesRemondis Australia
Mr Dean SharpeEHP - Cairns
Mr Patrick DunneSubloos Pty Ltd
Mr Rick RalphWaste Recycling Industry Queensland
Mr Shawn YoungMacDonald Johnston
Mr Joel HarrisResource Innovations
Corresponding Member Councils: Burke; McKinley; Cloncurry; Croydon; Isis, Flinders; Etheridge; Carpentaria; Isaac; Richmond, Torres Island, NCDC-PNG.
Enduring Proxies present:
Ms Anne McLaughlinforBurdekin Shire Council
Cr Nipper BrownforMareeba Shire Council
Mr Nigel Crumptonfor Cairns Regional Council
Cr Dietmar PetersforWhitsunday Regional Council
welcome & introduction
LAWMAC Chair, Cr Alan Wilson declared thegeneral meeting open at 8.30am and welcomed member councils, associate members and invited guests.
The attendances apologies and enduring proxies present at the meeting were noted.
Members acknowledged the previous day’s Field Trip and Workshop Presentation hosted by Townsville City Council:
- Tour of Magnetic Island’s Wastewater Recycling Plant and the island’s newly developed Waste Facility.
- DEHP Presentation and Workshop on Waste Infrastructure Planning presented by Mr Julian Chan (DEHP), Mr Dominic Schliebs and Ms Julie Spencer (Arcadis Design and Consultancy)
confirmation of previous draft minutes
The draft minutes of the previous General Meeting held Wednesday 9thSeptember 2015 were adopted as a true and correct record of the meeting proceedings.
Moved: Cr Sherry Kaurila (H/Brk) Seconded: Cr Laurence Bonaventura (Mky)
Carried: 10 – 0.
FINANCIAL REPORT
The NQLGA/LAWMAC financial records up to 30 October 2015 as circulated to members prior to the meeting were adopted.
Moved: Cr Glenn Raleigh (Cass/Cst) Seconded: Cr Bernie Robertson (ChtrsTwrs)
Carried: 10 – 0.
LAWMAC NEWSLETTER
Cairns Regional Council to develop and release the final newsletter for 2015 following the WMAA Waste Q Conference.
LAWMAC WEBSITE
Cr Alan Wilson reported that Arnaud Gougeon’s workload within Cook Shire Council has changed significantly and is unable to continue to provide services to the LAWMAC website.
Following discussions it was agreed to outsource the management of the site with Cr Glenn Raleigh undertaking to call for three quotations from website designers for the Executive to review prior to the next LAWMAC meeting.
It was also agreed that the Website Project Working Group need not continue teleconferencing at this time.
PRESENTATION BY SUEZ ENVIRONMENTAL
RECOVERING FROM CYCLONE MARCIA – IS YOUR COUNCIL REPARED?
Mr Chris White and Mr Gavin Tunstall gave a presentation on the management services, plant and equipment plus supporting financial data recording available to councils by Suez Environmental in the event of any natural disasters including cyclones in North Queensland.
A brief question and answer period followed where issues related to the collection of asbestos and regulated waste were addressed and members were also assured of full data recording for cost recovery from disaster relief funding.
CONTAINER DEPOSIT SYSTEM
Cr Alan Wilson briefed members on the September and October meetings of the Container Deposit Advisory Group and advised of the next meeting scheduled for February 2016 when discussions and decisions will be based around the Report and Outcomes of NSW’s stance on Container Deposit.
Kylie Hughes reported on community consultation leading up to June 2016 prior to taking back to State Government.
Cr Wilson tabled the amended LGAQ Motion 5 - LGAQ Policy Statement Amendment – Container Deposit Legislation
“That the Local Government Association of Queensland Policy Statement 2014 be amended by the deletion of current clause 5.4.12.1 in relation to Container Deposit Legislation and replaced with the following clause:
5.4.12.1 Local government will only support the introduction of CDL subject to:
- there being no negative financial impact on individual council waste and recycling operations and/or current contractual arrangements,
- there being full consultation and agreement with local governments in relation to the location and installation of container collection infrastructure,
- councils and council contractors not being excluded from claiming the container deposit refund on eligible containers collected through kerbside or other recycling collection arrangements, and
- councils not being directed by the State Government but retaining the right to determine whether or not they establish and operate container collection centres.
DEVELOPMENT OF LAWMAC POLICY
Technical Advisory Officer, Nigel Crumpton tabled and presented on the final LAWMAC Policy document as developed by the Executive.
Following discussion regarding budget allocation prior to determination of Membership Precepts Members resolved to adopt the final Policy Document.
Moved: Cr Glenn Raleigh (Cas/Cst) Seconded: Cr Laurence Bonaventura (Mcky)
Carried: 10 – 0.
PRESENTATION BY SIMTAR
LANDFILL MONITORING
Ms Grazia Gargiulo and Mr Tim Mallinson gave a presentation on the occupational hygiene, environment and laboratory services available to councils along with gas monitoring and support to ensure process and quality control on landfill sites. Simtar can also provide general resource industry training courses on gas test monitoring, chemical awareness (asbestos, hazardous substances), workplace exposures, risk assessment plus others.
PRESENTATION BY CAMPBELL PAGE
PALM ISLAND RECYCLING WORK FOR THE DOLE
Mr Steve Curran gave a presentation onthe Work for the Dole Program outlining the challenges faced due to the island situation restricting removal of large volumes of waste to the mainland.
The Program is also partly funded by Palm Island Council and undertakes cleanup works linked to the green arm of the project.
Steve advised that the Program tries to reuse/recycle waste items and make usable end products to reduce waste and is also trialing collection of plastic bags and polystyrene.
The Program commenced eight months ago and is contracted to 2018 – and beyond?
CORRESPONDENCE
The late inward correspondence item WMAA 2016 Membership Renewal was tabled with members resolving to support the Executive decision that:
LAWMAC renews the WMAA membership for 2016 at the reduced Govt 1 level with the Secretary nominated as the main member plus affiliate membership for the LAWMAC Chair Cr Alan Wilson and the LAWMAC Technical Advisory Officer Mr Nigel Crumpton.
Moved: Cr Glenn Raleigh (Cass/Cst) Seconded: Cr Sherry Kaurila (H/Brk)
Carried: 10 – 0.
The inward and outward correspondence was adopted.
Moved: Cr Glenn Raleigh (Cass/Cst) Seconded: Cr Alan Wilson (Cook)
Carried: 10 – 0.
WASTE REPORTS
Cook Shire Council
Cr Alan Wilson reported that Cook Shire Councilcalled for two waste management tenders, transport and disposal of Cooktown waste in adjacent municipalitiesand preferred panel of suppliers for transport of liquid and regulated wastes.
Council has approved preliminary Cooktown Landfill Rehabilitation Plan with Golder Associates drafting a plan for leachate upgrade works to commence early 2016.
The Garage Sale Trail and Disaster Preparedness Campaign were held in October along with the Great Barrier Reef Cleanup.
Council recently investigated procedures and compliance of trade waste resulting in permit holders being issued with show cause notices and upgrades expected as a result of this investigation.
In October Council resolved to close Laura Landfill and convert it into a waste transfer station by mid 2016 and introduce a kerbside collection system to the Laura township as of April 2016.
At its August meeting Council resolved to further reduce opening hours at the Ayton Waste Transfer Station where overall volume of waste at the site is expected to reduce by 80% in comparison to 2014 due to the introduction of kerbside waste collection service as well as the closure of Bloomfield River Lodge in October 2015.
Townsville City Council
Gary Ewart reported on the significant achievements of the Regional Waste Strategy Group and rehabilitation works at the closed landfill site at Bicentennial Parkon the banks of Ross River with a rockwall and parklandnow developed. Gary suggested the rehabilitated site as a possible visit next time LAWMAC meets in Townsville.
Melanie Field gave an update on the Region’s Waste Education Project.
Matt McCarthy reported on new bin size with Council now offering residents the opportunity to upgrade to a 360L recycling bin.
Council capital works upgrades include $18m this year on garden organics, leachate management, sediment basins and landfill capping at the Hervey Range, Stuart and Jensen sites.
The Townsville Waste Emergency Response Plan has been updated in preparation for the cyclone season.Council’s Organics Feasibility Study closing today.
Matt reported that landfill bans are being closely considered – agrees that waste should be diverted from landfill but not from the actual site.
Cairns Regional Council
Nigel Crumpton reported that Council has awarded a scope of works for the MRF Master Plan, basically a two-part plan with analysis of feedstock and then establishment of a works program. Council also has a tender out for the Waste Transfer Stations network detailed design in the Cairns region.
Preparing for 2016 Council has completed its Waste Characterisation Study and is hopeful of reducing contamination levels.
Council’s kerbside collection tender is due for renewal in April/May 2016.
Dan Dixon reported that Council’s Work for the Dole Program has just commenced with three participants working in the MRF for 25 hours per week over six months.
Nigel advised that Council is still promoting crushed glass with some interest in construction industry but still seeking more opportunities for end product users.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Mark Allpress reported on Council’s kerbside collection contract on the wet/dry system as part of the Waste Strategy with recycling not really viable within this system. Some contamination in the dry sector – mainly greenwaste – will be working on reducing this level in 2016 through a community education process.
Council is currently assessing business waste and looking at converting some 240L bins and introducing some flexibility into the service to align all across the region.
PPR bins in parks have increased and always full so will be addressing this in 2016.
Mark reported statistics released on the cane fertilizer bag program with data indicating a low uptake by farmers.
Cr Glenn Raleigh advised that Council has introduced a compost bin rebate scheme whereby residents take receipt into council to receive a $20 rebate.
Mackay Regional Council
Jason Grandcourt reported that cell three construction at Hogan’s Pocket as reported by Shannon at the September meeting is progressing well. Also waste survey data comparisons showing 20% reduction to landfill reflecting current and future downturn in the mining and related industries.
Council is happy with the performance of the MRF since its opening in September following a $2.6m upgrade contracted to RDT that included an optical sorting plant and a glass crushing plant to minimize waste to landfill.
Initial work has been undertaken on the impacts of the introduction of a CDS in the Mackay Region and hope to be in a position to respond effectively in early 2016.
Council has just completed its recycling bin audit showing a 20% contamination level which will be addressed in 2016.
Cr Laurence Bonaventura reported that the client servicing with JJ Richards is working well with outcomes on measuring performance and bin costs.
Mareeba Shire Council
Morris Hamill reported that Council is in the process of organizing design for the capping of the Mareeba landfill and subsequent revegetation works to rehabilitate the site.
Participation in the cane fertilizer bags program proved quite successful.
Council has a five year agreement for baling and removal of plastics at a drop-off point at no cost to farmers.
More bore monitoring holes have been drilled to gauge what’s happening under the landfill to address DEHP concerns and working closely with Golders Associates.
Council is currently exploring regional waste opportunities with Cairns and Douglas.
Burdekin Shire Council
Anne McLaughlin reported in the benefits of being part of the NQ Regional Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan and what it means for the future of waste and recycling in the Burdekin.
Council has commenced on the new lined cell at Kirknie Road landfill by internal work groups with some problems with the installation of the cell.
Interest in the cane fertilizer bags program has not well participated in the region.
Council has been involved in additional cleanup of the Great Barrier Reef with Emily giving talks in schools for recycling week.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Paula Ingerson reported on Expressions of Interest for the Halifax Transfer Station.
Kumar at Mandalay Technologies has been assisting with training, undertaking reviews and showing improvements. Final report pending indicating good outcomes.
Cr Sherry Kaurila reported on the value of LAWMAC and the positive information derived from the WMAA Waste-Q Conference.
Sherry reported that the grease trap waste disposal issue was resolved with other companies able to take up on the service and reflected on the ability to draw on the expertise of LAWMAC members.
Whitsunday Regional Council
Dietmar Peters reported that the fertilizer bag program was successful in the Whitsunday region.
Council is currently concentrating on the landfill receiving its weighbridge with civil works to be completed be end of 2015 ready for start up in February 2016.
Waste tyres, batteries, oil, flares, DrumMuster facilities all to be set up along with greenwaste and possibly composting facility also.
Council has installed new fencing at the Kelsey Creek landfill site to address windblown littering issues.
Two major incidences of illegal dumping of C&D waste have been reported with Council successfully identifying contractor for follow up.
Charters Towers Regional Council
Michael Langburne reported on the new contract for the main landfill site which wil be ready to go out next week. Council has purchased additional land for extension and upgrade of the landfill site.
Mic reported that twenty-six truckloads from just over one hundred properties were collected in October from the bulk rubbish and hard waste collection.
Council is experiencing some slight issues with gas monitoring at the old site in accordance with EHP requirements.
Recycling of manure from sales yards has been awarded at the commercial level.
Associate Member Reports
FNQROC
Steve Cosatto reported that the Scrap Metal Project is three-quarters way through and going well. FNQCouncils including two ATSI Councils have undertaken cleanups pre-cyclone season. FNQEOC is also conducting research biosolids at the regional level.
LGAQ
Robert Ferguson confirmed that LGAQ is still watching the progress of CDS discussions closely with the survey receiving forty responses which are being collated and considered. Awaiting outcomes from NSW for some degree of synergy.
LGAQ is also closely monitoring the Plastic Bag Workshop discussions and the Landfill Bans Workshop outcomes.
Robert reported on the Asbestos Group meeting held 17 November with reimbursement funding finalised apart from confirming administration management.
Keen to establish a Working Group to consider Waste Disposal Issues via teleconferencing – approach Robert to discuss and flag interest.
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL
Christine Blanchard reported thatcouncil celebrated National Recycling Week in style at the Recreate Twilight Market and Paper Fashion Show in King George Square on Friday 13 November 2015. This paper-themed twilight market and paper fashion show was all about recognising Brisbane’s recycling efforts and inspiring even more recycling for a cleaner,greener city.
Christine also reported on Council’s recycling programs for business, home and schools and Council’s zero waste goal and greenwaste recycling service.
DEHP
Kylie Hughes reported on Waste Management Regulations:
- The extension of expiry dates to Section 7 of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulation 2011 and Chapter 5A of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 until 1 September 2018 had been approved
- ERA and regulated waste framework consultation closed on September 25; comments currently being reviewed by EHP.
- DEHP received 20+ submissions to the Regulatory Impact Statement which will be available around April 2016.
Kylie advised of her attendance at the Landfill Disposal Bans stakeholder workshop and responded to Matt’s earlier concerns advising that it will not be a ban on items going TO landfill – only items going INTO landfill.