Supported by Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), Council of Mayors (SEQ) developed Queensland’s first regional waste management and resource recovery plan. Significant consultation was undertaken with member Councils, Queensland Treasury Corporation and DETSI driving its development. 

The plan charts a trajectory for resource recovery over the next decade and outlines an evidence-based approach for strategic, regional investment. It aims to divert more than 1 million tonnes of waste from landfill each year by 2030, with the potential to create 310 permanent jobs and up to 3,800 construction jobs in the process. 

It focuses on identifying key infrastructure investment required, empowering communities to make a difference through recycling, prioritisation of initiatives and identifying opportunities for member Councils to collaborate to achieve better outcomes. 

It also provides a solution that protects ratepayers, meets recovery targets, considers opportunities for economic development and employment, creates orderly change from the status quo to the future, and considers the variable nature of member Councils. 

The Plan also supports the delivery of collaborative solutions to meet the Queensland Government direction outlined in the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy.  

Council of Mayors (SEQ) has worked across the region to discover waste management priorities and gaps, build a regional road map across waste streams, and worked with councils to deliver funding to support a range of reform initiatives.  

Council of Mayors (SEQ) has successfully delivered a number of key outcomes for regional councils as well as government partners, including: 

• The first region-wide municipal waste reform road map that covers three waste streams, infrastructure needs, and gives direction to delivery against SEQ Waste Plan diversion targets. 

• Secured funding for a new materials recovery facility (MRF) on the Sunshine Coast, the nation’s newest and most advanced facility that will significantly increase recycling capacity in the region. 

• Collaborated with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation to develop and deliver the $151m GROW FOGO Fund, an innovative approach to funding to help councils across Queensland roll out organic collection services. 

• Secured funding to develop a regional organics processing road map to guide the introduction of organic collection services to the region – the largest change to municipal waste collection since the widespread adoption of recycling services. 
• $105m Resource Recovery Fund from SEQ City Deal; to deliver improved regional waste recovery infrastructure.