The WMRR Board held its fifth meeting for the year on Wednesday 15 October 2025 with a number of strategic project updates on the agenda demonstrative of the association’s commitment to continuing to deliver value to members, strengthening industry representation, and driving evidence-based advocacy that supports our essential industry.
WMRR’s membership remains robust at over 2,300 members, with consistent retention and growth across all sectors. The EfW and Australian Landfill and Transfer Stations (ALTS) Conferences delivered strong engagement, quality programs, and solid financial returns – keeping the association’s financial sustainability on track. Most importantly, the CEO and Board remain committed to using funds for strategic industry projects that will benefit the membership.
To this end, I am excited to announce that the Board have approved the appointment of Blue Environment, Arcadis and the Centre for International Economics (CIE) to deliver a State of the Nation Report on the Value of the Waste and Resource Recovery Industry to Australia. The project will deliver a comprehensive economic, environmental and carbon analysis of our industry and the value it contributes. It will include an interactive dashboard with both print and digital reports, which will be readily available and deliver significant value for both industry and government. We look forward to launching this landmark report in 2026.
Also, in 2026 (following membership renewals), WMRR will be upgrading its CRM and IT systems – including the WMRR website. These upgrades are aimed at modernising member engagement, streamlining communications, and improving our website and knowledge hub. The National Office is already progressing a refresh of the current branding and the Board anticipates approval of a preferred CRM supplier before the year end.
Advocacy remains high on the agenda. WMRR continues to proactively engage with governments across Australia and at all levels on a range of key issues including mandatory battery regulations in all jurisdictions, and focused efforts with the NSW EPA to reach agreement on NSW emission standards for energy from waste facilities aligned with both international (BREF) and local (NSW Clean Air requirements) best practice standards. WMRR has also been progressing efforts for safe and acceptable PFAS levels in land applied materials to be established in Queensland. WMRR’s strong working relationships with state governments are evidenced by the upcoming NSW and QLD Forums in November, which will both host their State Environment Ministers.
WMRR’s will commence a revision of its Strategic Plan next year to shape the association’s direction to 2029. We are proposing a Strategy Workshop for Board Directors and State Branch Presidents in September 2026, and I encourage all WMRR members to take part in our working groups, division and branch meetings and contribute to the conversation.