REMINDER: Have your say on areas of Priority Engagement for WMAA in 2017

The WMAA Board has identified a number of priorities for engagement at both state and federal levels in 2017. The aim is to progress debate at the highest appropriate forum and secure practical, positive outcomes for the industry that address:

• long term certainty for investment - shielded as far as possible from the ever changing regulatory and political landscapes
• the need to continually emphasise the hierarchy of waste control, and the priority of the
• recover/recycle philosophy over any final disposal option
• the lack of consistency in landfill levies - an issue underpinning current cross border arbitrage of waste
• the cost and complexity associated with the protracted approvals process for establishing new or developing existing infrastructure
• better support for the development of end markets for example, glass and C&D waste
• better support for the development of new technologies in the industry
• improved illegal dumping provisions through a national approach

WMAA is currently seeking input from members on whether these should be the priority engagement areas. Submit your response below by COB Friday 10 February 2017.

Your responses will be fed back to the Board and State Presidents, to be incorporated into WMAA’s Business and Strategic Planning processes for 2017. The outcomes of which will be made publicly available to members.

Join Australia's premier event: WMAA 2017 Australian Landfill and Transfer Stations Conference

Don’t miss a great line up of national and international experts, including our keynote speakers:

• Barry Buffier, Chair and CEO, NSW EPA
  
• Dr Ian Peggs, President, I-CORP International Incorporated
  
• Eric Mead, Vice President, HDR Incorporated
  

Registrations open early January.

Public submissions of End of Waste Codes (QLD)

Last year, the end of waste (EOW) framework replaced the beneficial use approval (BUA) framework under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. Under the EOW framework, a waste can be deemed a resource under an EOW code or an EOW approval. To operate under an EOW code or an EOW approval, you need to be a resource producer.

EOW codes relate to any registered resource producer for the respective code, whereas an EOW approval relates only to the holder of the EOW approval.

DEHP is currently inviting submissions on whether there is any particular waste or resource for which an EOW code should be prepared. The submission period will be open until 31 March 2017.

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:

• Submission on the Draft WARR (Container Deposit Scheme) Regulation 2016

CDS Coordinator and Network Operator appointment process closes 6 February 2017 (NSW)

The single Scheme Coordinator will be responsible for the financial management of the scheme, including auditing and validation, as well as community education. Network Operators will be responsible for establishing and managing networks of collection points in specific zones across NSW.

Eligible Waste Fuel Guidelines - Energy from Waste

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has published the Eligible Waste Fuel Guidelines to be read in conjunction with the NSW Energy from Waste Policy Statement.

The Guidelines will assist operators intending to seek authorisation from the EPA to use certain wastes or waste-derived materials as a fuel in NSW facilities.

Food Waste Incentive Grants from GISA (SA)

The Kerbside Performance Plus Food Organics Incentives Program provides support to councils, with applications for this round closing on 10 February 2017. The financial incentives available through this program support councils to meet targets in South Australia’s Strategic Plan and South Australia’s Waste Strategy 2015-2020.

Feedback on the EPA waste reform consultation (SA)

More than 100 people took part in these sessions with most attendees coming from local government, with KESAB representatives also participating.

Feedback has validated that illegal dumping continues to be an issue of significant concern and support for improved powers to more effectively tackle the issue.

Most of the submissions will be available on the EPA website in 2017.

ISWA's monthly Scientific Journal