Colac Otway Shire Council has endorsed a refreshed Resource Recovery and Waste Management Strategy, building on achievements to date and setting a clear direction for waste management, resource recovery and recycling through to 2030.
As part of a scheduled mid-term review, Council assessed progress against the Strategy and updated its priorities to reflect changing industry requirements, emerging challenges and community needs.
The review found significant progress has already been made, with 28 of the original 76 actions completed.
Council has also streamlined the Strategy, consolidating actions into a more practical and focused set of 20 initiatives supported by five strategic objectives.
Two new strategic objectives have been added to strengthen Council's approach to future waste management and resource recovery opportunities.
CEO Andrew Tenni said the review highlighted the value of work already undertaken by Council and the community.
"Council and the Colac Otway community have achieved a great deal since the Strategy was adopted in 2021," Mr Tenni said.
Among key achievements delivered since the strategy started are the rollout of the four-stream kerbside collection system (including glass-only recycling), the successful launch of the GoodSort mobile app, reduced waste contamination and increased participation in recycling and organics collections.
"Council is committed to focusing on practical waste management solutions that benefit the circular economy," Mr Tenni said.
Examples include reusing wood chips from tree maintenance on garden beds in the Shire and providing mulch to community groups.
Road materials recovered from asphalt renewal projects are also repurposed on local roads wherever possible and asphalt used for road construction and maintenance now routinely includes recycled crushed glass.
Council also strengthens existing ground materials on site using recycled materials and reducing the need for new materials like crushed rock.
"These are just some of the practical initiatives Council has implemented, and will continue to explore, to reduce waste sent to landfill," Mr Tenni said.
"Our community has embraced these changes and demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing waste and improving recycling outcomes."
The revised Strategy also provides a framework for managing significant emerging challenges, including the awarding of a new 10-year kerbside waste collection contract, rehabilitation of closed landfills at Alvie and other sites across the Shire, and a review of transfer station facilities and community drop-off services.
"The updated Strategy gives Council a simpler practical and achievable plan for future investment and decision-making, while continuing to deliver reliable and sustainable waste services for our community," Mr Tenni said.
