The North East Local Government Waste and Recycling Forum was held in Benalla on Monday, August 12, bringing together more than 25 representatives of councils and Alpine resorts across the region.
The forum created a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration on pressing waste management and recycling challenges.
Benalla Mayor Danny Claridge, who is also North East Local Government Waste and Recovery Forum chair, said regional collaboration in addressing waste management challenges was critical.
:Our region has always been at the forefront of innovative waste management solutions,“ Cr Claridge said.
“This forum provides an invaluable opportunity for us to come together, share our successes, and confront our challenges collectively. By working together, we can continue to lead in sustainability and ensure a cleaner, greener future for all.”
The forum featured guest speaker Tony Circelli, Chief Executive Officer of Recycling Victoria, who commended recycling initiatives being developed in north-east Victoria.
“We recognise the leadership that is occurring in north-east Victoria,” he said.
“We've seen many recycling initiatives led by this region, and we at Recycling Victoria are keen to learn more about the challenges and opportunities being faced.
“Equally, I am here to share where Recycling Victoria’s focus lies, including our strategic priorities around recycling and service provisions.
“It's essential that we engage closely with the local region to ensure the continued success of these initiatives.”
The North East Local Government Waste and Recycling Forum is a dynamic platform dedicated to fostering innovation, sharing ideas, and building consensus among regional councils and Alpine resorts in north-east Victoria.
The forum aims to develop forward-thinking solutions to the region’s waste management challenges and encourages the exchange of best practices to achieve sustainable outcomes.
“Long-term strategic planning is critical in addressing the complexities of waste management,” Cr Claridge said.
“Through collaboration and shared vision, we can develop robust strategies that benefit not only our individual communities but the entire region.”
The forum’s key objectives include advocating for local governments and alpine resorts to enhance their capacity in delivering effective, efficient, and sustainable waste and resource recovery planning and management.
It also aims to engage with industry, the Victorian Government, and community stakeholders to improve waste and resource recovery management and to facilitate regional collaboration in these efforts.
Benalla Rural City Council extends its gratitude to all attendees for their valuable contributions and looks forward to ongoing collaboration in addressing the region's waste and recycling challenges.