From the CEO
Over the last 12 months and at various stakeholder levels, much has been discussed about the need for Australia to develop and grow its own recycled remanufacturing capacity as well as drive market demand for domestic remanufactured product. However if we take stock of the year that has passed, have we as a country made great strides forward? Sadly, the answer is no.
Australia is still nowhere close to where we need to be to both resolve our waste and resource recovery challenges and develop a sustainable remanufacturing sector using Australian material. As we head towards a Federal election, WMRR will continue to call on the Federal Government to quicken its pace and get on with its job, and act on key positions that WMRR has consistently advocated for.
Read the CEO's full February/March 2019 report here.
Driving change in NSW
The Blues will head to the polls on 23 March 2019 and WMRR is calling on the NSW Government to show leadership in driving a circular economy, creating certainty in NSW by kick-starting a collaborative approach with industry... As we all know that waste management and resource recovery is a shared responsibility.
Ahead of the elections, WMRR has written to all parties and independents, urging them to commit to six (6) key priorities:
- Create a market development agency.
- Reinvest 50% of funds raised by the landfill levy annually.
- Finalise the Strategic Infrastructure Strategy.
- Develop a Waste and Resource Recovery State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).
- Enforce the proximity principle and develop a common approach to managing ‘waste’ as it becomes a resource, which also requires resource recovery exemptions and orders to be certain and robust.
- Commit to sustainable procurement.
Read WMRR's election statement here
Write to your local MP
WMRR members can play a key role in pushing for change. A copy of the letter can be downloaded in the members' portal for you to co-sign and send to your local candidates. Simply follow this link, then log-in to download your letter today.
Together, we can build a strong, sustainable, and resilient NSW waste and resource recovery industry, future-proof the State’s economy, create jobs and protect our communities and the environment.
Have you renewed your WMRR membership?
From free members-only events to participation in WMRR working groups, and of course discounts on our renowned and well-attended conferences and events, there are numerous benefits in being a WMRR member.
Members have until 31 March 2019 to renew their memberships in order continue receiving discounts and invites to members-only events, and to remain in their current working groups. To renew your membership, email [email protected] or call (02) 8746 5000.
All in a day's work
What has WMRR been up to, you ask? Plenty!
At the end of October 2018, WMRR commenced the annual review of its Strategic Business Plan, which encompasses the strategic and advocacy objectives that guide the operations and advocacy of the National Office and State Branches. Read the updated Strategic Business Plan here.
There's also the Constitution, which is currently out for public consultation till 5p.m. AEDT, 28 March 2019. Last year, the Board agreed to a review of the Constitution to ensure that it accurately and appropriately reflected our membership categories and operations. Changes include the addition of Peak members and Directors, as well as Government and Life members. The WMRR Constitution is an integral part of our association as it governs our strategy and operations and your feedback is appreciated.
You'll also soon notice a "new look WMRR" as we continue our rebranding journey. So, watch this space!
2019 submissions
NSW
SA/NT
VIC
Media releases
Media coverage
19 March 2019 - QLD Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy Workshop (Brisbane)
Chris Hambling, Waste Avoidance & Recovery Policy, Office of Resource Recovery at the Department of Environment and Science will be presenting at this free, members-only workshop. Networking drinks to follow.
3 April 2019 - NSW FOGO Breakfast Workshop (Sydney)
The workshop presents members with an opportunity to discuss the current trends, issues, gaps, and opportunities that FOGO presents against the backdrop of NSW's current resource recovery landscape.
17 April 2019 - WA members meeting and drinks (Perth)
A free members-only meeting to discuss recent and ongoing developments, including the release of the State's waste strategy. Members are invited to networking drinks after the meeting. Details T.B.C.
26-29 March 2019 - 2019 Australian Landfill and Transfer Stations Conference (Brisbane)
Participants will have the opportunity to share their knowledge and learnings, showcase their innovative ideas, hear from industry experts and network with their industry peers. The conference dinner is selling out fast so lock in your spot today.
14-16 May 2019 - Waste 2019 (Coffs Harbour)
Registrations and accommodation bookings for the Waste 2019 Conference are now open. The program will feature expert keynote addresses, inspiring case studies, interactive workshops and panel discussions, and will focus on practical outcomes.
26-28 August 2019 - Energy from Waste Conference (Canberra)
Save the date! The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia’s (WMRR) Energy from Waste Conference is back this year, this time in Canberra, and will feature a program packed with insightful keynote sessions, case studies, workshops, and more.
15-17 October 2019 - WasteQ (Toowoomba)
Save the date! Planning for WasteQ, which will be held in Toowoomba, has commenced. If you'd like to be on the conference planning committee, email [email protected]
