A once in a generation opportunity to shape and plan the future of waste management and recycling has been given the green light by Ipswich City Council.
The calling of an expression of interest (EOI) has been approved by council to gauge the level of innovation and viable solutions that could be delivered in Ipswich in the near future.
Works, Parks and Sport Committee Deputy Chairman Councillor David Morrison said three key areas were proposed.
“This EOI is council’s call to action to the industry to assess Ipswich’s current waste and recycling systems, processes and materials,” he said.
“We are very keen to hear from experts in alternative waste technologies, waste and recyclate collection systems, and complementary and associated industries.”
Cr Morrison said council recently investigated waste to energy technologies which might include three different bin scenarios in the future.
“For this project financial modelling was carried out by Deloitte with technical advice from Aurecon,” he said.
“We expect a final draft report later this month.
“It has been well documented that council was forced to reconsider how waste is managed.
“Contributing factors included China’s National Sword Policy, cross-border waste disposal, non execution of a new recycling contract and a collapse in prices paid for recycling.
“Importantly, Ipswich domestic recycling is now back on track with the recent signing of a new 12 month contract with Visy Paper Pty Ltd.”
This new EOI would allow council to identify serious contenders in waste management without putting tenderers to the major expense of preparing a full tender.
