PANEL DISCUSSION: Trust, Transparency and Leadership – Strengthening social licence across the sector
Community trust and confidence are critical considerations for councils and industry delivering essential services and infrastructure across Queensland. Panellists will discuss how trust is shaped by politics, performance and communication; lessons from recent inquiries; and how expectations around transparency and engagement are evolving.

Facilitated by: Alix Baltais, EnviroCom
Panelists include:
– Trevor Evans, Interim CEO – Container Exchange
– Alex Kanaar, Director of Strategic Projects – Ecological Transformation – Veolia
– Jules McMurtrie, Chief Optimist – Climate Action Schools
– Greer Quinn, Head of Community and Reputation – ARRC Gold Coast

PANEL DISCUSSION: Procuring for Progress: Contracts, collaboration and innovation in waste and recycling
Innovation is widely encouraged across the waste and resource recovery sector, yet procurement and contracting models are often cited as major constraints. Panellists will discuss the real-world barriers faced by councils and suppliers, the limitations of current contract structures, and how procurement approaches could evolve to support regional solutions, new technologies and innovative service models, while still meeting governance and probity requirements.

Facilitated by: Alison Price, WRIQ
Panelists include:
– Ben Arthur, State Manager QLD/NT Local Government and Infrastructure Growth – Cleanaway
– Scott Reynolds, General Manager – Kwinana Energy Recovery
– Hayley Page, Regional Waste and Recycling Manager – North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils
– David Pearce, Partner and Practice Group Leader – MinterEllison
– Damien Guard, Manager Business and Strategy | Waste & Resource Recovery Branch – City of Logan

PANEL DISCUSSION: Where to next for Queensland’s waste and recycling sector?
This closing panel brings together local government and industry leaders to reflect on the newly released Queensland Waste Strategy. Moving beyond policy intent, panellists will explore what must happen next to turn ambition into delivery, discussing the critical enablers – planning, infrastructure, markets, regulation and partnerships – needed to move from strategy to action and accelerate progress across the sector.

Facilitated by: Richard Taylor, Business Development Manager – JJ’s Waste and Recycling
Panelists include:
– Claire Andersen, Executive Director, Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling – DETSI
– Brett Lemin, Executive Director – Waste Contractors & Recyclers Association of NSW
– Michael O’Keeffe, Manager Waste and Recycling – Rockhampton Regional Council
– Sarah Collins, Head of Assets – ARRC Gold Coast
– Henry Anning, CEO – Energy – ResourceCo

LAWMAC Quarterly Meeting
LAWMAC members, along with officers from the Local Government Association of Queensland, the Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Health, waste industry groups, and related waste management organisations, are encouraged to attend and contribute information and insights. Attendance by non-members is in an observer capacity only and does not include voting rights.

To register your interest, please contact Christine Blanchard, LAWMAC Secretary, at secretary@lawmac.org.au.

Roundtable Discussions
Join focused discussions between Councils and Industry on key topics shaping Queensland’s waste and recycling sector. These concurrent roundtables offer participants the chance to engage directly with peers, experts, and industry leaders on issues including:
– Lithium Batteries Stewardship
– Mattress Recycling
– Energy from Waste
– Illegal Dumping and Unlicensed Operators
– State Waste Infrastructure Plan – Landfill Security
– State Waste Infrastructure Plan – Recycling Infrastructure, Transport & Logistics

Participants will be encouraged to select the discussions most relevant to their interests and bring questions or insights to share. The goal will be to agree on next steps for each topic.

Refreshments will be served, providing a relaxed environment to network, exchange ideas, and explore practical solutions.

To confirm your attendance, please tick the relevant box on your FWR registration form or email events@wriq.com.au.