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Sustainability is among the five goals outlined in our Corporate Plan 2019 - 2024. We promote sustainable business practices in both our own operations and those of regional organisations.
We are partnering with other Councils through the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and the Department of Environment and Science (DES) to plan for and respond to changes in our climate. Read more about the Queensland Climate Resilient Councils program at qcrc.lgaq.asn.au.
Additionally, the following specific activities are being progressed.
We also aim to implement new technology for energy management in our facilities.
Through this project we’ll be mitigating against methane emissions from landfill, whilst reducing the reliance on fossil fuels in powering Wetalla, which is one of Council’s highest energy users.
All landfills produce methane due to the breakdown of organic materials in the landfill. If not managed this methane slowly escapes into the atmosphere. It is a condition of our Environmental Authority that we manage the gas which is usually achieved by simply flaring to convert the methane into carbon dioxide.
This project involves the capture of the methane for generation of electricity to offset power to Wetalla, which is a far better use of the gas than simply flaring.
We estimate the site will produce approximately 600m3 of gas per hour which is enough to run a 1MW generator.
New technology helps staff monitor and track waste streams in different locations and times of the year which can help identify and resolve issues with processes.
All horticultural activities are progressed with a focus on the use of best practice methodologies to limit water use and achieve quality horticultural outputs.
Trees are managed with the following approaches:
Parks that are irrigated are 'Category A' sports fields, high-profile lawn areas and shrub beds, tree establishment and annual plantings. The majority of parkland across the Region is not irrigated.
Responsible irrigation practices are used for all park-related activities. For example:
Ponds and fountains are designed to look attractive even when empty or switched off.
Best practice water use is used for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers - balancing the maintenance and development of the Region's largest event with efficient water use.
Green infrastructure (Green.IS) is another example of our commitment to sustainability. Green.IS is an approach that recognises the value of nature and greenery to our community and culture, and treats natural elements as a form of infrastructure, just as with roads or bridges. As part of our commitment to Green.IS, we planted more than 3500 trees in 2018 and have strategies for improving Council-owned parks, street trees and open spaces. Read the full Green Infrastructure Strategy.
We've taken steps to reduce the use of plastic items by taking steps to reduce plastic straws, helium balloons and single-use plastic bottles in the organisation. Employees are encouraged to find new or improved ways to recycle in the work environment and reduce plastic waste.
We are committed to ensuring the sustainable development of the region. The economic strength of the region, the health and welfare of its residents, and the state of the environment are directly linked to the transport system. Sustainable transport is about making the best use of our transport systems to serve the needs of the region. This will ensure that our region is an attractive, healthy and affordable place to live.
The strategy is for the whole Toowoomba Region, including Toowoomba City, urban Toowoomba (including Highfields, Gowrie, Wyreema and Kingsthorpe), and other outer regional centres. Reliance on private vehicles for transport is well established but as the region grows, we have a responsibility to facilitate safer, more reliable and user-friendly public and active transport.
The strategy aims:
Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy
We’re progressing our Waste Infrastructure Plan, which aims to divert as much waste as possible from entering landfill. In 2018, we opened waste transfer facilities at Cecil Plains, Cooyar and Evergreen, which act as improved outlets for recycling. These services save direct costs and are greatly beneficial for the environment. In 2018, over 7500 tonnes of greenwaste was diverted from landfill as a result of this service, in addition to over 10,000 tonnes of waste recycled via kerbside collection.
In addition to these plans, in 2019 we began diverting tyres from landfill to be repurposed for our road reseal program.
Waste Infrastructure Plan
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