Proposed Local Law – Waste Management
With the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 Chapter 5A and the Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulation 2011 Section 7 (enabling local government to manage waste within its area) set to expire on 1 July 2018, North Burnett Regional Council is poised to introduce a new local law on waste management.
Traditionally local government has focused on roads, rates and rubbish. Historically however, Council once managed waste under Refuse Management Regulations created in the 1970s under the Health Act to protect public health by minimising fly breeding, odour nuisance and vermin. With the modernisation of waste management legislation to protect the environment and to enable resource recovery, there has been a shift from maintaining public health to environmental management at the State Government level. As a result the State will allow certain legislative provisions to expire on 1st July 2018.
These legislative provisions, amongst other things:
Allow Council to define areas were waste collection is to occur;
Require owners or occupiers to supply rubbish bins;
Ensure occupiers maintain bins in good repair;
Prohibit placing dangerous materials in a bin, for example something that is alive or smouldering;
Nominate a place where bins can be stored or how long they can be left on a street;
Regulate who can collect waste and when collection can be made;
Enable instructions to be given by Council staff at waste facilities where rubbish is to be deposited.
These requirements currently exist. Council, like numerous other local governments, is simply duplicating existing laws in preparation for the expiry of State legislation in July. The object of the local law will be to not only maintain the environment but also protect public health and amenity.
To view a copy of the Public Notice, proposed Local Law and Public Interest Test plan please see the below links:
For further information please contact Council’s Manager Environmental Services on 1300 696 272 (1300 MY NBRC) or email Council.