Primary considerations in waste management decision-making by local governments in the past have, by necessity, focused on minimising risk to the environment and public health. While these issue are still important, our focus now needs to shift to address contemporary issues of climate change, carbon reduction and depletion of natural resources.
We need to change from the present ‘disposal’ system to the wider arena of waste minimisation, beneficial reuse and resource recovery. The waste we could recover should be seen as an asset that will enrich our resource-base, create employment opportunities and contribute to the economic fabric of our country and ultimately improve environmental outcomes.
As the largest single local government in Australia, Brisbane City Council has recently implemented a Towards Zero Waste strategy and we are proud to be associated with the 2009 WasteQ conference concept.
We offer our sponsorship to support this direction in sustainable waste management. |