Federal Government
WMRR is pleased to note that the federal government along with NSW has committed to taking the lead on a mandatory solar PV scheme, and now that the EPBC Act has passed, we can hopefully look forward to in the new year- a systematic approach to regulating packaging alongside progressing the review of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020. WMRR CEO met with a number of politicians including Minister Watt’s office in Canberra on 25 November 2025 and we are committed to keeping the dialogue open with the Minister’s office and keeping WARR issues on their agenda.
Carbon
Friday 28 November 2025 saw the long awaited release of the Reducing Methane Emissions from Landfill Gas Method (with an upward sloping baseline). The AWT method continues to be in a holding pattern however WMRR understands that a proponent led method for AWT will progress in the near term. This month, WMRR and a number of industry advocates will be attending a roundtable in Canberra to discuss the Safeguard Mechanism and its application to landfills – noting that the Safeguard Mechanism is due for review in 2026.
Stewardship
Batteries – In NSW, mandatory battery stewardship regulations recently closed for consultation and WMRR continues to urge other states to follow suit. The growing risk of battery fires in the WARR system is prevalent as ever, with WMRR issuing releases again in November to heighten awareness of the need for mandatory stewardship of these hazardous materials. A presentation by DEECA was also provided to the Victorian Branch on how they propose to progress their regulations, with a view to draft legislation by late 2026. We recently also received correspondence from Minister Powell advising that they are watching the NSW roll out, but no commitment to act at this time which is disappointing given the risk that batteries continue to pose to our people and our places. No update is available at this time on when South Australia will progress legislation.
PFAS
The Senate Select Committee on PFAS released its final report on 19 November 2025, finding that federal health guidance lags international standards and underestimates risk to affected communities. The 47 recommendations call for updated health advice and exposure limits, national PFAS monitoring standards for drinking water, stronger chemical regulation, phasing out PFAS in consumer products, improved labelling, and urgent action to eliminate PFAS from food packaging. It also urges the development of a national plan—with funding and cost-sharing mechanisms—to manage legacy PFAS contamination in waste streams. WMRR’s CEO appearing on ABC Radio 702 on 28 November 2025 to keep the WARR sector front of mind on this important issue.
WMRR is continuing to advocate nationally for a consistent framework for compost inputs and outputs including clear standards and testing criteria that recognise a safe level of PFAS exposure. Discussions continue with Queensland with a further meeting on PFAS and compost products held with DETSI on 1 December 2025 to attempt to find a risk-based approach to FOGO in Queensland that enables investor confidence.
WMRR was also pleased to include factsheets from EnRiskS in its submission to the NSW inquiry into Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities- the first hearing of this being in Sydney (see EFW below).
In NSW, the EPA have just released their proposed Chemical Control Orders for PFAS for landfills and sewage treatment plants for consultation. These orders implement monitoring and reporting requirements in accordance with the nationally agreed NEMP 3.0 levels. WMRR understands that updated guidance in relation to IChEMS will be issued by the end of April 2026.
Landfills
The NSW Environmental Guidelines Solid Waste Landfills were consulted on in November 2025, with the NSW EPA facilitating a session for WMRR members on 11 November 2025. The WMRR Landfill Working Group had provided early feedback on the working draft in May 2025, and the revised guidelines confirmed that the EPA will take a minimum standards approach to new landfill designs with a further guideline to be issued for legacy landfills. There has been no further progress to report on the review of the BPEM in Victoria. WMRR understands that Queensland will be looking to review their guidelines in the near term. The recent report from the Tasmanian Auditor General’s office paved the way for a review of landfill management in that state.
EfW
In NSW, the release of NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan on 23 October 2025 clarified that the requirements of the Clean Air Regulation were consistent with the BREF – paving the way for proven EU reference facilities to be considered when considering proponent applications. WMRR has been invited to participate in the Infrastructure Committee that will oversee delivery, with the first meeting scheduled for 18 December 2025. WMRR has been invited to give evidence at the public hearing for the NSW Select Committee inquiry into Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities on 15 December 2025.
State Strategies
New South Wales
NSW released the first chapter of its Waste and Circular Infrastructure Strategy on 23 October 2025, articulating pathways for streamlined approval of additional landfill space whilst also paving the way for further progress of EfW facilities in the state. WMRR has participated in round tables on developing the next chapters, however, to date we hold concerns about the broader understanding of non-MSW sectors. The WA Strategy “Beyond 2030” has been released for consultation with a short, three (3) week turnaround. A meeting has been scheduled with the Parliamentary Secretary in mid- February 2026 to discuss this and other WA issues. In Queensland, previous indications that the revised strategy would be released before December 2025 have been questioned due to delays releasing the updated NSW levies. The SA final Strategy is expected to be released this month, with possibly little change, following GISA issuing their consultation report in response to the feedback received on the draft of Accelerating SA’s transition to a circular economy: South Australia’s waste strategy 2025-2023. An introduction meeting with the new Minister and WMRR Is now scheduled for early February 2026.
Queensland Issues
WMRR continues to engage regularly with DETSI and the Minister’s office with Minister Powell opening the Queensland Forum in early November. The challenges for the regions outside if SEQ continue to be prevalent for the state, and WMRR has issued formal correspondence to DETSI seeking consideration of the funding guidelines ahead of the release of the updated strategy. WMRR understands that DETSI is preparing to take recommendations to Cabinet this month.
Queensland Health released its report from its Public Health Inquiry into Swanbank. The report found that the odours from Swanbank and New Chum industrial areas were not a cancer risk but were highly offensive and potentially harmful to health and wellbeing for Ipswich residents. The Queensland Government supports the Inquiry’s recommendations with implementation managed by a Swanbank Inter-departmental Steering Committee (IDC) to be chaired by the Director-General of DETSI, Ms Patricia O’Callaghan, and which will work with an industry reference group.
Victorian Issues
Whilst there has been no further word on the appointment of leadership staff at the VIC EPA, the government has publicly released its response to Helen Silver’s Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service, confirming the abolishment of sustainability Victoria and the absorption of Recycling Victoria into the EPA. This recent announcement is influencing sector dynamics considerably, particularly as industry has ongoing concerns about approaches currently being taken towards a number of facilities and developments. A meeting is being sought with the Minister ASAP to explore how relationships and outcomes can be improved.
Council endorsed City of Melbourne’s recommendations for implementing the waste collector permit fee at the Council Meeting on 25 November 2025. The move was opposed by WMRR who made a written submission for consideration ahead of the council meeting, however Council elected to adopt and implement a reduced fee at its meeting. WMRR continues to work with Victorian Councils who wish to object to the fourth bin, with a meeting with General Managers held to discuss next steps.