Waste operators across Ipswich will be able to reduce impacts on the community and environment after amendments to planning safeguards were approved by the State Government this week.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said earlier this year he had used his statutory powers under the Planning Act 2016 to establish new buffer zones and other safeguards for residents living near new or expanded waste facilities in the Swanbank and New Chum industrial area.
"I have decided to amend the TLPI (Temporary Local Planning Instrument) for the Swanbank and New Chum areas following council and industry feedback on its current operation," Mr Dick said.
"These changes allow waste operators to bring forward new ideas, such as waste to energy solutions, to improve their existing operations and reduce impacts on the community and environment."
Mr Dick said he had also approved the expansion of these safeguards to include the Ebenezer, Willowbank and Jeebropilly industrial areas.
"The Ipswich community now has protections covering the Ebenezer, Willowbank and Jeebropilly areas, in addition to the existing Swanbank and New Chumindustrial area.
"While these TLPIs regulate development applications for these areas, Council will use the two-year interim period to amend their planning scheme to address community concerns over the impact of waste facilities.
"Development applications may be given favourable consideration by the Ipswich City Council where it can be clearly demonstrated, with a high degree of certainty, that improved amenity, environmental or community outcomes are able to be achieved.
"Both TLPIs complement actions already being undertaken by the Environment Minister with the newly formed Waste Management Stakeholder Advisory Group and Odour Abatement Taskforce.
"The Palaszczuk Government is seeking to develop a high value resource recovery industry through the $100 million Resource Recovery Industry Development Program, due for release later this year."
Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the government had consulted with the Ipswich City Council for their comments on both TLPIs.
"I am very pleased the TLPI’s are now in place and community concerns have been addressed while we use the next two years to work with the department to progress amendments to the planning scheme," Ms Mullen said.
Waste Recycling Industry Association Chief Executive Officer Rick Ralph said industry and all levels of government have a critical role in addressing community concerns while maintaining the waste industry’s ongoing business aspirations.
"We are committed to realising council and the state government’s future direction on waste, and to reshape Queensland to become Australia’s leading secondary resources and recycling state."
Mr Dick said the Palaszczuk Government is working with councils and industry on the state’s zero-waste future.
"A comprehensive waste management strategy is being developed to change the way Queensland manages its waste now and into the future," he said.
