FNQROC Regional Waste Management Technical Committee Members Workshop: Turning Plans into Action
Update by: Bhakti Devi, Regional Waste Management Plan Coordinator
The Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC) recently hosted an Implementation Workshop, bringing together Waste Managers from member councils to transform their Regional Resource Recovery Long-Term Plan into a focused 1–3-year Action Plan.
Participants worked collaboratively and reached consensus on key next steps for seven priority actions:
- Developing a Regional Waste Education & Engagement Plan
- Enhancing Data Management Capacity
- Advancing Regional Resource Recovery initiatives
- Strengthening Waste Infrastructure Support
- Improving Kerbside Recycling programs
- Expanding Organic Resource Recovery efforts
- Exploring Energy from Waste solutions for residual waste
Inspiration Through Thought Leadership
Interspersed within the program, two thought leaders from the waste industry were invited to share valuable insights & innovations:
- Mike Ritchie (MRA Consulting) highlighted the importance of councils transitioning into sustainable waste service providers, ensuring full cost recovery rather than operating as cost centres. He shared the success story of Albury-Wodonga, where waste diversion from landfill improved from 5% to 54%, emphasizing that such transformation is replicable across regional councils
- Prof. Veena Sahajwalla (UNSW SMART Centre) showcased Microfactorie, an innovative decentralized resource recovery solution for waste streams like glass, textiles, paper, and plastics. She encouraged remote councils to explore research partnerships on emerging waste challenges, including solar panels, mattresses, and soft plastics.
To maintain momentum, the group agreed to track and update progress through monthly meetings, ensuring continued collaboration and meaningful action.
This workshop marked a significant step toward sustainable waste management across the region.
