Update from WMAA CEO

As we approach the end of 2016, I would like to thank everyone for their effort and support of WMAA this year. I have been in the role for just over five weeks, and am overwhelmed by the welcome that I have received, and the energy and commitment for the waste and resource recovery industry that I have witnessed first-hand amongst members.

In five weeks I have managed to meet personally with branches and presidents in five states, and attend Christmas events in most states - sorry Tasmania and ACT, I will be there in the New Year.

I have met members from as far north as Townsville, QLD and far west as Cape Naturaliste, WA. I have also had the opportunity to meet with government representatives, which has been invaluable.  Whilst each state is unique, it is pretty clear that each is facing similar challenges with legislation, levies, licensing, infrastructure and preparing for more change in the way that business is done in 2017.  

It has become really evident to me in my travels and meetings why WMAA is the peak industry body for the waste and resource recovery sector: WMAA is uniquely placed to support and assist members through various issues, given that we have an exceptional perspective, working both across industry and nationally. Some have told me that this broad church is WMAA’s weakness. I, however, strongly disagree. This is what makes WMAA strong - our ability to see issues through many lenses and be able to provide a thought-out and considered response that does not reflect just one part of this industry.

I look forward to working with you all in 2017. This is a very busy and exciting time for both the industry and WMAA.  If you have not already done so, please contact the office to update your membership for 2017.

On another note, I am saddened to inform you that Stephen Holland will be stepping down from his role as a WMAA Operations Manager as of 13 January 2017.

Stephen has been integral to the continuity of the WMAA office over recent years and his big personality will be missed by staff and members alike. We would like to wish him great success in his new role.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

WMAA VIC Branch celebrates 2016 with Minister D'Ambrosio

The Hon Liliana D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Minister for Suburban Development addressed a significant number of the state government initiatives that are assisting the ongoing development of the waste and resource recovery industry.

WMAA announces the 2016 WMAA Women in the Environment Award winner

The Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) awarded the 2016 WMAA Women in the Environment Award to Samantha Cross, Director Cross Connections Consulting.

The award began as an initiative of the WMAA Victoria Branch, and recognises the achievements of women in the environment industry. In 2015, the award - sponsored by Blue Environment - was opened nationally to all eligible women in the environment sector who have made a significant contribution to environmental sustainability in Australia in the past five years.

WMAA Submissions to government

WMAA represents the views of our members to all levels of government on issues affecting the bottom line. Submissions to government are prepared by various state-based WMAA working groups. By being involved in those groups, all WMAA members have the opportunity to contribute to national and industry policy and the development of industry standards.

Recently, on behalf of its members, WMAA put forward the following submissions to government:

• WMAA Submission on the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and proposed Environment Protection (Scheduled Premises) Regulations 2017 (Victoria)
• WMAA Submission on the South Australia Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan - Consultation Draft

Request for EoI: Provision of Kerbside Waste and Recycling Collection and Processing of Captured Recyclables

Alice Springs Town Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EoI) from suitably qualified service providers to collect waste, commingled recyclables and greenwaste for the community of Alice Springs. Also sought is the provision of a processing operation within Alice Springs for recyclables or delivery of separated matter to a suitable processing facility.

Responses are to be lodged in the Civic Centre Tender Box by 5pm Friday 17 February 2017, Australian Central Standard Time.

The documents for this EOI are available to download from alicesprings.nt.gov.au/tenders. Documents will also be available from the front counter of the Alice Springs Town Council Civic Centre, Todd Street, Alice Springs. For further information please contact Council’s Technical Services Consultant: 0431 188 970

New rules for NSW scrap metal operators

A regulatory model for the scrap metal industry that was approved by the NSW Government on 14 September 2016, will commence on 1 March 2017.

The purpose of the NSW Scrap Metal Industry Act 2016 is to provide a regulatory regime for the scrap metal industry that will assist police in addressing property crime, including the theft and disposal of stolen motor vehicles, copper and other metal at scrap metal yards.

All businesses or persons operating in NSW that meet the legislated definition of a scrap metal dealer must be registered by 1 March 2017.

Have your say on the Greater Sydney draft District Plans

The Greater Sydney Commission has put on public exhibition the 20 year draft District Plans, one for each of Greater Sydney’s six Districts.

The goal of these plans is to have well-coordinated, integrated and effective planning for land use, transport and infrastructure as well as transform Sydney’s six districts into three cities: the Eastern City, the Central City and the Western City, with each city liveable and sustainable in its own right.

Feedback on the plans is open until 31 March 2017.

Submissions on the NSW CDS Regulation 2016 close Friday

WMAA is in the process of putting together a submission to the NSW EPA, and invites member input on the regulation draft. Contact the WMAA National office on 02 8746 5000 to have your say.

Applications now open: Round 4 Resource Recovery Facility Expansion and Enhancement Grants (NSW)

Applications are invited for Round 4 of the Resource Recovery Facility Expansion and Enhancement grants program, with grants of $100,000 to $1 million to cover up to 50 per cent of project capital costs.

Delivered through a partnership between the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the NSW Environmental Trust, this program aims to increase recycling of household, business and problem waste.

Applications close 5:00pm Thursday 09 February 2017.

EMRF Update: Coal mine waste gas variation

The Government has varied the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative - Coal Mine Waste Gas) Methodology Determination 2015.

The original coal mine waste gas method credited emissions reductions during coal mining by combusting methane:

• in flares
• in a generator to produce electricity

The changes will provide projects with the potential to unlock substantial new sources of abatement. Ventilation air methane emissions account for about 60 per cent of fugitive emissions from Australian underground coal mines.

Other changes include amendments to the method’s abatement calculations.