from Gayle Sloan, CEO
September is always an important month for WMRR — it’s when the Board and management come together for our annual Strategy Day to take stock of where we are and set the direction for the year ahead. This year’s Strategy Day in Sydney was one of our most productive yet.
The session included an in-depth review of the external environment facing the sector. There is no shortage of challenges: escalating geopolitical pressures affecting commodity markets, persistent labour shortages in operational roles, the ongoing complexity of managing emerging and problematic waste streams (particularly lithium batteries), and the continued struggle for meaningful investment in resource recovery infrastructure.
But there is also significant opportunity. The global focus on supply chain resilience and sovereign manufacturing capability is creating a new narrative around resource recovery — one that positions our sector not just as waste managers, but as strategic materials suppliers. This is an opportunity WMRR intends to pursue vigorously in our advocacy with federal government.
The Board endorsed a refreshed advocacy framework for 2025-26 that doubles down on our core priorities: levy reform, product stewardship, procurement policy, and investment certainty for resource recovery infrastructure. We will also be intensifying our engagement on organics recovery and FOGO rollout, where there remains an enormous gap between policy ambition and on-the-ground delivery.
I am also pleased to report that the ALTS Conference in Perth is shaping up to be an outstanding event, with an exceptional program and strong registrations. I look forward to seeing many of you there.
As always, WMRR is strongest when our members are engaged and active. I encourage you to participate in working groups, respond to our consultations, and bring your experience and expertise to the conversations that shape our sector.