Project milestones
In 2019, the Queensland Government released the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy (the Waste Strategy).
In 2020, the Queensland Government committed to work with regional organisations of councils to help develop regional waste management and infrastructure plans that would help councils identify and prioritise waste and resource recovery activities and necessary infrastructure on a regional basis.
In 2022, the Department funded the development of a Central West Queensland (CWQ) Regional Waste Management Plan by RAPAD.
In 2023, the CWQ Regional Waste Management Plan project commenced with A. Prince Consulting undertaking the research and development of the plan in consultation with the seven councils of the RAPAD region.
In March 2023, A. Prince Consulting (APC) visited seven RAPAD councils to understand current waste management systems and infrastructure; assisted in the completion of waste management surveys; and visited key waste management sites.
In May 2023, hosted by Longreach Regional Council and contractor Proterra Group, A. Prince Consulting undertook a series of waste audits to better understand the categories and quantity of waste types.
Data was analysed by APC, including the annual Department of Environment and Science reporting, together with information gained from the surveys and site visits were analysed by APC.
A project status report was presented to the RAPAD Board.
In August 2023, using the information gained from the council discussion, Board meetings, and research undertaken, APC identified suitable waste management systems and infrastructure improvements for councils’ consideration.
APC status report presentation and discussions at the August Board meeting.
Based on the agreed approaches, APC drafted the RWMP and individual council implementation plans.
In November 2023, the final draft was presented to the Board for final review ahead of endorsement.
In January 2024, the RAPAD Board endorsed the CWQ Regional Waste Management Plan – a first plan of its kind for the region.
In late 2024, the final Regional Waste Management Plan was released by the Queensland Government, with RAPAD progressing discussions on funding its implementation and a project coordinator position.
In January 2025, RAPAD engaged a project coordinator to work cooperatively with councils across the RAPAD region to implement the Regional Waste Management Plan.
The development of the CWQ Regional Waste Management Plan was funded by the Queensland governmen
