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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR- Dir John Burgess
The Group farewells Director Rob Binnie following his resignation from the Group at the May 2008 AGM due to work commitments in Tasmania.

Rob has been a passionate supporter of creating a sustainable community and lead the Energy from Waste research, visiting facilities in Europe in 2002.

He was instrumental in influencing member Councils in implementing the three bin kerbside waste collection system throughout the region.

Rob was appointed in February 2000 and chaired the Group in 2003-04 and 2005-07 and was vice chair in 2001-03 and 2004-05.
R o Rob Binnie

On behalf of the Board and staff I wish to thank Rob for his valuable contributions to the Group and wish him well in his future endeavours.

NEWS FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER- Enzo Bruscella
The Group in partnership with 5 Councils have been assessing tenders for the implementation of a regional contract for a total waste management system to service the Barwon region from 2010 - 2030.

The Group’s regional waste management plan highlighted the need to focus on resource recovery opportunities rather than landfill following Corio landfill site closure 2010. The objective is to implement environmentally responsible and cost effective systems that meet the State Towards Zero Waste Targets of resource recovery of 65% household and 80% for Commercial and Industrial and Construction and Demolition Waste by 2014.

Directors and Council officers from the tender assessment panel have been visiting waste management facilities in Australia over the past few weeks and a recommendation will be provided to member Councils following consideration by the Barwon RWMG Board in July 2008.

2008-2009 Board of Directors
The Group appointed Directors for 08-09 at the May 2008 AGM as follows:
Dir. John Burgess (Chair)
Dir. Kingsley Love (Vice Chair)
Dir. Barbara Abley
Dir. Jim Tutt
Dir. Tom O'Connor
Dir. Bruce Harwood
Dir. Peter Mercer

Regional Waste Survey 2006/07
The Group has conducted its fifth annual survey of materials being deposited into landfills and materials being collected for recycling in the Barwon region.

The survey found the following:
Total waste deposited into landfill= 292,581 tonnes
Total waste deposited to landfill and used for landfill operations= 106,111 tonnes
Total recyclables collected= 203,735 tonnes

Recyclables collected in the region represent 75,313 tonnes of recovered CO2, equating to 122,587 trees being planted or 12,552 cars being taken off the road for a year. View entire report

Regional Litter Prevention Activities
A new anti litter advertisment has been developed to be screened at cinemas in the region.
To view the ad click here

Cats Fans Get the Right Thing in the Right Bin
The Skilled Stadium Public Recycling Project is now complete and at the last home game Mayor Cr Bruce Harwood unveiled a plaque at the stadium acknowledging the contributions from key project partners the Alcoa Foundation and Sustainability Victoria that made it all possible.

Just over a year ago there were no public recycling facilities at the stadium and there was a significant litter problem. The project has seen a new bin system and education program implemented at the stadium. This has succeeded in changing the communities’ behaviour with litter being significantly reduced and over 60% of waste being recovered for recycling at each home game. Click here to find out more...

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor Cr Bruce Harwood and GFC Mascot Half Cat with the new bin stations.

Barwon Recycled Organics Project Launch
The reprocessing of green waste into recycled organic mulches and composts is a growing industry that now has new standards for certification that ensure quality products are entering the marketplace.

Member for South Barwon, Michael Crutchfield, launched a recycled organics project at the Geelong Winegrowers Association seminar held at Deakin University Waurn Ponds Estate Winery.
Click here to find out more...

 

 

 

 

 

Regional Education Officer Amy O’Brien, Member for Sth Barwon Michael Crutchfield & Grape Industry Development Officer Kieran Murphy (photo courtesy of the Geelong Advertiser)

Fyansford Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre
Fyansford waste disposal and recycling centre has welcomed a new era of resource recovery and embraced the challenge of diverting as much as possible from the materials that get deposited to the landfill. Venturing past the humble gatehouse it quickly becomes apparent that there is more to this facility than initially meets the eye.
Click here to find out more...

Community Resource Efficiency Grants
Congratulations to the following groups who were successful in gaining funding through the Barwon Regions community resource efficiency grants:

Lorne-Aireys Inlet P-12 College- Waste Reduction Project
St Johns Lutheran School- School Composting Project
Winchelsea and District Business and Tourism Association- Plastic Bag Free Winchelsea Project
SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre Inc.- Bokashi Organic Recycling Project
Lara Primary School- Environmental HERO's Project
Torquay Rotary Club- School Sustainability Challenge

Waste Wise Geelong Network
A Network breakfast was held in June, sponsored by Gordon Tafe. The Gordon presented on their waste and environmental initiatives including information on resource recovery and sustainability courses available for businesses. Barbara Moss director of the Queenscliffe Music Festival, also spoke at the breakfast, sharing insights gained during the nine years the event has been involved in the Waste Wise program.

Harwood Andrews were awarded WW certification at the June breakfast- Congratulations to their Greening Committee on developing a very comprehensive action plan! 

Other businesses who will be working toward WW certification in the coming months include Powercor, VIC Roads, Barwon Prison, Barwon Copying Solutions, St Laurence Community Services.

For more information contact Liz Raimondo