Spotlight on sustainable waste services

THE City of Mount Gambier has adopted a Waste and Resource Recovery Master Plan (WRRMP), to progress Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the ongoing development of a circular economy.

Endorsed at the August Council meeting, the WRRMP builds on the Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy adopted in 2023, providing a comprehensive roadmap for waste services throughout the city.

The plan outlines strategic actions to reduce landfill, improve leachate management and support local reuse and recycling initiatives.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said this Master Plan positioned the city as a regional leader in waste innovation.

“It reflects our community’s values and our shared vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future,” Mayor Martin said.

The WRRMP considers a whole-of-system approach, addressing key infrastructure such as Caroline Landfill, the Waste Transfer Station, ReUse Market and kerbside collection services.

Environmental Sustainability Business Partner Aaron Izzard said it includes updated financial modelling, timelines for transitioning to weekly Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) and fortnightly landfill collection and scenarios for leachate management.

Key priorities of the WRRMP include:

Waste reduction through education, improved collection systems, and community engagement.

Leachate management to meet EPA compliance and protect local ecosystems.

Support for the circular economy, including partnerships with local businesses and reuse initiatives.

Acting City Infrastructure General Manager Jeremy Martin said this was a working document that would evolve with community needs and technological advancements.

“It sets the foundation for long-term planning and investment in waste services,” Mr Martin said.

Waste reduction progress:

In 2020/2021, landfill diversion was 47%. By 2022/2023, this increased to 55%, with a goal of reaching 65% by 2030.

FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) collection rose from 3,345 tonnes in 2020/21 to 4,674 tonnes in 2022/23, now making up 38% of total kerbside waste.

General waste dropped from 6,023 tonnes to 5,661 tonnes over the same period.

The WRRMP will guide council’s future decisions regarding waste and will be integrated into the Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) and Caroline Landfill Asset Management Plan.