Community Jury's investigation begins
Noosa's 24 Community Jury members today wasted no time familiarising themselves with the complex task ahead of them – investigating the best way to reduce the 10,000 tonnes of organic waste currently reaching our landfill annually.
They’ll spend the next five months unpacking the complicated topic as they prepare to report back to Council with their recommendations.
“Organic waste management is an incredibly multifaceted subject, and one that has long term financial and environmental implications for Noosa ratepayers,” says Noosa Mayor Noel Playford.
“Waste management costs Council more than $13 million annually and there are space constraints and emissions targets facing councils all over Australia forcing the need to reduce the volume of organic waste being sent to landfill.
“The implications of getting this wrong could run into the tens of millions of dollars, hence the importance of an exhaustive and well-rounded investigation of all the options,” said Cr Playford.
As part of today’s session the jury heard how a typical household produces enough general waste to fill eight shopping trolleys annually, including more than $650 worth of wasted food.
Roughly 48 per cent of that household waste is potentially compostable, but currently ends up in landfill.
This topic is an ideal one for the community jury because of the level of complexity and the depth of investigation it requires. Ultimately, Council will be presented with the jury’s recommendations and will make the final decision.
“The 24-member jury will use its monthly meetings to ask hard questions and seek out further information from experts on residents’ behalf.
“Our Jury members reflect the demographic profile of Noosa, to help it provide a well-rounded investigation incorporating a wide range of points of view.
“The Jury’s contribution will assist us to make informed decisions around how we best manage organic waste into the future,” Cr Playford said.
The Jury will meet again in March.
7 February 2015