FWR 2025 will be a forum for the exchange of ideas and discussion around key industry issues. Presentations and sessions will provide information about how business, with sound government policy, can deliver improvements to the State’s waste diversion and resource recovery growth in line with community expectations and industry aspirations.
The program will capture four prominent themes relevant to all stakeholders with interests in the waste and recycling industry. It will look to the future by demonstrating what is currently being achieved and what is next on the horizon. The program will boast presentations by industry leaders and innovators, panel discussions and four themed streams focused on the significant issues impacting the industry now and beyond.
The trade exhibition will complement the program by providing an opportunity for delegates to meet with suppliers and discuss the latest industry developments and innovations. All meal breaks will be served within the exhibition area to maximise interaction between delegates and exhibitors.
The Welcome Function and Conference Dinner will also provide an excellent opportunity to gain important industry and government contacts.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
Click here to download the preliminary program in PDF format
Wednesday 12th February 2025
0900 | Technical Tour Registration |
TECHNICAL TOUR | |
Attendees should assemble in the foyer of the Sea World Resort at 8.00am for an 8.30am sharp departure. The bus will return by approximately 5.30pm. All participants are required to wear long pants and enclosed, flat shoes. ResourceCo Resource Recovery Facility At this facility, ResourceCo receives waste that has previously only been able to go landfill, separating recyclables, then producing an alternate fuel that replaces coal as an energy source for high energy using cement manufacturers. In addition to extracting materials such as metals, heavy recyclables including rock, brick and concrete, the facility has capacity to manufacture about 150,000 tonnes of PEF each year, with an overall landfill diversion rate of 95 per cent whilst reducing emissions. Phoenix Power Recyclers Phoenix is continuously working to develop markets in all sectors including the agricultural community, through market education strategy forming partnerships with waste producers from the food production industries to develop products that are in increasing demand for the health of agricultural soils. Bunya Renewable Hybrid Project |
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1630 | Tour returns |
1800 | Networking Function |
Thursday 13th February 2025
0800 | Registration, tea and coffee |
OPENING PLENARY | |
0900 | Welcome and housekeeping Alison Price, CEO – Waste, Recycling Industry Association QLD |
0910 | Official Welcome Richard Taylor, Chair – Waste, Recycling Industry Association QLD |
0920 | Opening Address The Hon. John-Paul Langbroek, State Member for Surfers Paradise & Minister for Education and the Arts |
0930 | Symposium Format Alison Price, CEO – Waste, Recycling Industry Association QLD |
0940 | KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Finnished with that! Finland’s systematic approach to end all waste by 2050 Birgit Tegethoff, Senior Advisor – Business Finland |
1005 | Questions and discussion |
1030 | Morning tea break |
LEGISLATIVE LANDSCAPE: NAVIGATING THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT | |
1100 | This session will provide an in-depth update on recent legislative changes impacting the waste and recycling industry. Experts will discuss key regulations, compliance requirements, and how to stay ahead of upcoming changes. |
Update from the environmental regulator and current operational priorities Jackie McKeay, Executive Director – Department of Environment, Science and Innovation |
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General environmental duty |
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The Waste and Recycling Code of Practice: Helping parties in the “chain of responsibility” discharge their duty under the Heavy Vehicle National Law |
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Panel and open discussion | |
1230 | Lunch |
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR QUEENSLAND | |
1330 | In this session, we will explore strategies to achieve better outcomes for Queensland by adopting innovative and collaborative approaches in state and local government and business practices. |
Gold Coast’s Journey to Zero Landfill – Advanced Resource Recovery Centre Grant Gabriel, Program Director, ARRC Environment, Heritage and Resilience – City of Gold Coast |
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Compromise to optimise Chris Alexander, General Manager – Phoenix Power Recyclers |
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Collaborative contract management Umur Natus-Yildiz, Executive Manager Resource Recovery Services – Fraser Coast Regional Council |
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Panel and open discussion | |
1500 | Afternoon tea break |
ADDRESSING CONTAMINATION AND DIFFICULT WASTE STREAMS | |
1530 | Key issues to be covered in this session include identifying and mitigating contamination risks, developing effective recycling processes, and implementing sustainable and safe practices in the face of evolving waste streams. |
Charged for Disaster: Tackling battery fires in the waste industry Keiran Travers, Waste, Recycling Industry Association QLD and Brett Lemin, Waste Contractors and Recylers Association of NSW |
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PFAS and contamination in organics Dr Matthew Askeland, ADE Consulting |
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Emerging Contaminants and the Law – Risk and liability under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) Sarah Hausler, Partner – McCullough Robertson |
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Panel and open discussion | |
1700 | Close Day 2 |
1900 | Conference Dinner |
Friday 14th February 2025
0830 | Registration, tea and coffee |
QUEENSLAND’S PATH TO WASTE & RECYCLING INNOVATION |
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0900 | This session will focus on the current challenges and systemic issues that are hindering progress in the waste and recycling sector, as well as discussing what changes are necessary to prepare for a circular future. The sessions will also explore how to better utilise levy funding to drive waste recycling innovation in the state. |
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Resource Recovery Industries: The journey to develop sustainable supply chains |
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Update to Waste Strategy in 2025 – Boosting recycling and reducing litter to the environment |
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Does the Queensland Waste Levy need to be higher? Nick Behrens, Director – Queensland Economics Advocacy Solutions |
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Panel and open discussion | |
1030 | Morning tea break |
PAVING THE WAY FOR INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS | |
1100 | This session will explore the importance of embracing new approaches and technologies to tackle waste and resource recovery challenges and increase diversion rates. |
Revolutionising Resource Recovery – The energy recovery innovation journey Scott Reynolds, General Manager – Kwinana Energy Recovery |
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Rino: Entering the waste and recycling industry with innovation |
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Innovation can be easy, managing compliance…now that can be difficult Mike Haywood, GM Fuels and Sustainable Energy – Verdant Earth Technologies |
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Panel and open discussion | |
1230 | Lunch |
RAISING THE BAR: ACHIEVING AN 80% RECYCLING RATE IN QUEENSLAND | |
1330 |
This panel discussion will focus on strategies to increase the recycling rate from 20% to 80% in Queensland. WRIQ board members and other industry experts will share their vision for a sustainable future with the outcomes of the discussion to be the formation of a priority list and plan for effective waste management and recycling in Queensland.
Faciitated by: Alix Baltais, Queensland Manager – EnviroCom Australia Panelists include: |
1440 |
Review of key points for FWR communique |
1455 |
Wrap up and closing remarks |
1500 | Conference Close |
* Every effort has been made to present all the information contained in this website as accurately as possible. The organisers reserve the right to change, without notice, any or all of these details.