A national competition has been won with an idea to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by using and reusing mining waste.
New chair for NSW environmental watchdog
Former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) senior executive Rayne de Gruchy AM PSM has taken over as Chair of the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) commencing her role yesterday.
Environment Minister Matt Kean described de Gruchy is a highly experienced regulator and will play a key role in ensuring that the EPA is a world-class regulator that holds dodgy individuals and organisations to account.
“Now more than ever it is important that we have a tough, independent environmental cop on the beat –ensuring our environment and communities are protected from potentially harmful and hazardous activities,” Kean said.
“The people of NSW expect our environment to be protected, so our children and their children can enjoy our natural environmental assets for generations to come. De Gruchy has come from the ACCC where she led the charge protecting consumers and fearlessly prosecuting people that broke the law – I expect her to take the same approach as Chair of the EPA.”
Meanwhile, De Gruchy said she was excited to be taking on the role.
“I’m looking forward to contributing to the important work of the EPA and working with businesses, government and the community to reduce pollution and waste, protect human health, and prevent degradation of the spectacular natural environment in NSW,” she said.
Kean thanked acting Chair Carolyn Walsh for her leadership and guidance over the past 14 months.
“Carolyn has been steadfast in her commitment to drive improved environmental outcomes and hold rogue operators to account, and I thank her for her exceptional stewardship and support of the EPA team throughout the challenges of the summer bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic,” Kean added.
NSW sector has decent operators
MPS and Evoquip strengthen
Mineral Processing Solutions (MPS) is now the official full line distributor of EvoQuip crushing, screening and conveying equipment.
In 2016 (MPS) an OPS Group Company, became a distributor in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia for EvoQuip. Now, after four years of strong market development, both parties said that they were keen to extend the coverage.
“Since taking on EvoQuip in 2016, MPS has shown a commitment to service and support that is in keeping with the brand. Their extensive knowledge and trained specialists ensure they offer the best solutions and product support which is why they are the right fit for EvoQuip in Australia,” EvoQuip international sales director, Barry O’Hare said.
National reach
The MPS team includes encompasses process engineering to on-site commissioning, training and maintenance services and the company provides 24/7 maintenance and spare parts backup both on-site and from their workshops in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Darwin.
MPS managing director, Shane Czerkasow added, “After four years working with EvoQuip we have developed extensive relevant industry knowledge and built a strong customer base. We look forward to taking this experience and developing our customer base right across Australia. The EvoQuip product is exciting and dynamic and is a great fit for MPS.”
Bio-recycle given highest waste penalty
Recycling company, Bio-recycle Australia Pty Ltd, has been fined $300,000 for receiving and disposing of more waste than it was authorised to over a three-year period.
SA pioneers single-use plastic products ban
South Australia has made history as the first Australian state to ban plastic straws, cutlery and stirrers. The ban, which comes into effect in 2021, prohibits the sale, supply or distribution of plastic cutlery, straws and beverage stirrers.
As COVID bites, Waste Expo goes digital
The country’s largest gathering of waste management and resource recovery professionals Waste Expo Australia 2020, is migrating its conference online to help strengthen the sector impacted by COVID.
WARR leader picks up industry advocacy honour
The 2020 Woman in Industry Awards Industry Advocacy prize has been awarded to National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) CEO, Rose Read.
Bingo grows up in the time of COVID
The waste management operator Bingo Industries has delivered an extraordinary profit result, moving from a $22.3 million profit in FY1 9 to $66 million in FY20, a 196 per cent increase.
WMMR moves forward with fresh state leadership
The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMMR) CEO Gayle Sloan has welcomed the 2020-2022 WMRR State Branch Committee presidents and vice presidents.
WMRR’s 2020-2022 State Branch Committee leaders
| State | President | Vice President |
| NSW/ACT | Phil Carbins, State strategy & program manager NSW/ACT, SUEZ | Katherine Dodd, general manager & Principal Consultant, MRA Consulting Group |
| Queensland | Matthew McCarthy, resource recovery manager, Townsville City Council | Lacey Webb, principal consultant, Mandalay Technologies |
| SA | John Phillips, director, Think Environment | Geoff Webster, director, Waste and Management Services |
| Tasmania | Justin Jones, director, Just Waste Consulting | Michael Attard, team leader Sustainability, City of Launceston |
| Victoria | Kirstin Coote, manager, waste and recycling, City of Melbourne | Kelvin Davies, global project manager, Nextek |
| WA | Lia Barnett, senior civil engineer | – |
“The State Branch Committee represents our essential industry’s diverse operations in each jurisdiction, and along with the state working groups, form the backbone of WMRR. We are delighted that the nomination and election process drew a wide range and number of members; this continued engagement and commitment to the industry will no doubt drive WMRR forward,” Sloan said.
“I’d like to welcome all of our 2020-2022 State Branch presidents and vice presidents. Your role in leading your State Branch Committee is an important one and we look forward to working with you. And to all outgoing presidents and vice presidents, thank you. WMRR truly appreciates your time and commitment to the association.”
WMRR and GISA pave the way for Buy Recycled expo
In a move to lift awareness around buying and creating goods made from recycled content, the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR), has partnered with Green Industries SA (GISA).