Australia has a national target to half the volume of organic waste to landfill by 2030 and while all Australian governments have agreed to this target, the FOGO journey that each jurisdiction is on is as different as chalk and cheese, with all at very different stages with varying approaches. 

The benefits of moving to FOGO are well known and constantly touted, though the same cannot be said about the challenges that need to be overcome to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success. For example, moving from GO to FOGO can be a costly endeavour, effective communication and education is no mean feat, and there are significant considerations around viable, economic and accessible end markets.   Add to this the different regulatory regimes that exist in each state, not to mention is compostable packaging in or out?

It is time for us to have a frank conversation about the realities of FOGO – the good and the bad – including the obstacles to growth such as:

• Regulatory and policy uncertainty
• Contamination issues
• The true cost of implementation and beyond
• Government support for procurement of end markets
• Current contract periods
• Licensing and DAs 

As an industry, we may agree that there are opportunities to divert FOGO from landfill and we certainly support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, increased recovery and recycling, and better material management. But for us to have the best chance at FOGO success, we must be aware and honest about what this journey entails. 

WMRR CEO, Gayle Sloan will be joined by three industry experts on this conversation where we seek to find out what the go is on FOGO. 

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

		PETER OLAH National Executive Officer, Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) Peter Olah is the National Executive Officer of the Australian Organics Recycling Association, the national voice for the organics recycling industry. Peter is an experienced leader, having led the Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute, the Council of Mayors SEQ, the NSW Rural Fire Service Association, the Hotel Motel & Accommodation Association, Scouts Australia NSW, and Hurstville City Council.
		SHAUN RAINFORD Associate Principal | Resource and Waste Management Leader, Arup A Geologist and Geotechnical Engineer, Shaun has over 25 years experience in Senior Technical and Management roles within the Waste Industry. Whilst working for Veolia for nearly 20 years he was responsible for the development and management of Veolia’s Technical and Engineering division and held senior roles in the development of key infrastructure projects including the Woodlawn Bioreactor Landfill and Organics Treatment. Shaun also represented Australia on the Biotreatment Centre of Excellence. Shaun now heads up the Waste and Resources group within Arup in NSW and ACT, a leading Global Engineering Consulting group with over 1400 staff in Australia working across Infrastructure development, Energy, Environment, Water and Resources. His work with Arup has spanned Australia and the wider Asia Pacific regions and he is currently working with a number of key clients assisting with the development of Organic processing capacity from a policy, design, development and financing perspective.
		PHIL CARBINS General Manager Business Development - Planning & Policy, SUEZ Phil has over 25 years’ engineering, operations, asset and business management experience within technical, environmental and regulated industries, including over twenty years waste management and resource recovery experience specialising in strategic development, operations and policy. He has previously held senior management positions with Waste Assets Management Corporation (NSW Government), Transpacific Industries Group Ltd and Enviroguard Pty Ltd (a CSR/Brambles joint venture) with earlier experience in the concrete industry and consulting civil engineering. Phil’s roles and experience have given him a direct and comprehensive knowledge of the issues facing the waste industry, particularly in NSW; a commitment to strategic waste infrastructure planning and development; and a thorough understanding of the risks and challenges facing the recycling and recovery industry. Phil is currently the NSW Branch President of the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) and was Chair of the Australian Landfill Owners Association (ALOA) for six years.  He holds an MBA as well a Bachelor of Engineering and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is a Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia and is a Chartered Professional Engineer.

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