MEMBERS from 12 of the region’s councils and Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson have gathered in Gunnedah on Thursday to celebrate 20 years of co-operation in the waste management sector.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Through Northern Inland Regional Waste (NIRW), council representatives from across New England and the North West have worked together to tackle issues and projects surrounding waste management.
Current NIRW chair and Uralla Shire mayor, Micheal Pearce told Fairfax Media the 20th anniversary of the organisation was a real accomplishment.
“I am extremely honoured to be involved with NIRW,” Cr Pearce said.
“As an organisation it is a testament to what teamwork and co-operation can achieve and to be doing it for the benefit of all the residents in our respective shires is just the icing on the cake.”
Cr Pearce said the organisation had seen a lot of changes throughout its 20 years.
“I am actually the sixth person to hold the position of chair,” he said.
"In that time though, we have seen significant change in regards to recycling, the amount of waste removed and waste management practices.
“But I’d say the biggest change has been the education around recycling, we are much better now at reusing and recycling things than in the past.”
Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was a pleasure to be involved with the group.
“The exciting and beneficial changes that have been made by this group over the last 20 years should be applauded,” Cr Chaffey said.
“For all 12 councils within our area to all work together and co-operate like this is truly terrific and hopefully it continues.”
Read Also:
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said he hoped that organisations like this would continue to make positive impacts on the region.
“We have to look after our environment and it comes back to grass roots organisations like this," Mr Anderson said.
“If we can harness the energy and the positive steps we are making environmentally, then why can’t we take the gasses that are coming out of the Tamworth Landfill and re-purpose that gas into powering the Tamworth Hospital.
“Something like that would be truly excellent to see and with organisations like this one who says it could not possibly be a reality.”
Cr Pearce said the NIRW would now focus on continuing its good work.
“For us from here it is all about continuing the education process surrounding waste,” he said.
“As well as that, we will also be looking to continue our positive relationship with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and continue to produce good results for our region.”
NIRW member councils include:
- Armidale Regional Council
- Glen Innes Severn Council
- Gunnedah Shire Council
- Gwydir Shire Council
- Inverell Shire Council
- Liverpool Plains Shire Council
- Moree Plains Shire Council
- Narrabri Shire Council
- Tamworth Regional Council
- Tenterfield Shire Council
- Uralla Shire Council
- Walcha Council
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
