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Last Updated: Thursday, 07 July 2022 12:40

Sustainability is among the five goals outlined in our Corporate Plan 2019 - 2024. We promote sustainable business practices in both our own operations and those of regional organisations.

 

What we are doing

We are partnering with other Councils through the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and the Department of Environment and Science (DES) to plan for and respond to changes in our climate. Read more about the Queensland Climate Resilient Councils program at qcrc.lgaq.asn.au.

Additionally, the following specific activities are being progressed.

Energy management

We also aim to implement new technology for energy management in our facilities.

Facilities with solar panels for energy production

  • Highfields Sport and Recreation Park
  • Toowoomba City Library
  • Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility
  • Kleinton Waste Management Facility (under construction)
  • Principal Depot (initial installation of a 200kW solar system and 400kWh of battery storage with a further estimated 300kW of solar to be installed in late 2020.)

Landfill gas capture and electricity generation

Through this project we’ll be mitigating against methane emissions from landfill, whilst reducing the reliance on fossil fuels in powering Wetalla, which is one of Council’s highest energy users.

All landfills produce methane due to the breakdown of organic materials in the landfill. If not managed this methane slowly escapes into the atmosphere. It is a condition of our Environmental Authority that we manage the gas which is usually achieved by simply flaring to convert the methane into carbon dioxide.

This project involves the capture of the methane for generation of electricity to offset power to Wetalla, which is a far better use of the gas than simply flaring.

We estimate the site will produce approximately 600m3 of gas per hour which is enough to run a 1MW generator.

 

Technology utilisation 

New technology helps staff monitor and track waste streams in different locations and times of the year which can help identify and resolve issues with processes.

 

Parks, gardens & green infrastructure

All horticultural activities are progressed with a focus on the use of best practice methodologies to limit water use and achieve quality horticultural outputs.

Trees are managed with the following approaches:

  • Drought tolerance, the suitability of soil type and adaptation to local climatic conditions are all important considerations when selecting trees for planting. Where possible endemic, native or drought exotic species are used.
  • Our tree planting program is adjusted according to climate conditions. This includes suspending planting in times of extreme heat and limited rainfall.
  • Trees are well mulched to retain soil moisture.
  • When establishing new trees watering is kept to levels that ensure establishment, without excess water use. After an establishment period, trees are typically self-sustaining requiring no watering.
  • Long-lived tree species are commonly used as long-term investments for the neighbourhood.
  • Wherever possible water for tree planting is sourced from local collection points.

Parks that are irrigated are 'Category A' sports fields, high-profile lawn areas and shrub beds, tree establishment and annual plantings. The majority of parkland across the Region is not irrigated.

Responsible irrigation practices are used for all park-related activities. For example: 

  • Water restriction policies are followed and water conservation plans prepared by branches of Council that use large amounts of water.
  • Irrigation systems are regularly checked, maintained and improved to ensure water-efficient design.
  • Garden display beds include annual flowers, xeriscapes, artworks or a combination of all three depending on the current water restrictions.

Ponds and fountains are designed to look attractive even when empty or switched off.

Best practice water use is used for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers - balancing the maintenance and development of the Region's largest event with efficient water use.

Green infrastructure (Green.IS) is another example of our commitment to sustainability. Green.IS is an approach that recognises the value of nature and greenery to our community and culture, and treats natural elements as a form of infrastructure, just as with roads or bridges. As part of our commitment to Green.IS, we planted more than 3500 trees in 2018 and have strategies for improving Council-owned parks, street trees and open spaces. Read the full Green Infrastructure Strategy.

Reduction in the use of plastics

We've taken steps to reduce the use of plastic items by taking steps to reduce plastic straws, helium balloons and single-use plastic bottles in the organisation. Employees are encouraged to find new or improved ways to recycle in the work environment and reduce plastic waste.

Transport

We are committed to ensuring the sustainable development of the region. The economic strength of the region, the health and welfare of its residents, and the state of the environment are directly linked to the transport system. Sustainable transport is about making the best use of our transport systems to serve the needs of the region. This will ensure that our region is an attractive, healthy and affordable place to live.

The strategy is for the whole Toowoomba Region, including Toowoomba City, urban Toowoomba (including Highfields, Gowrie, Wyreema and Kingsthorpe), and other outer regional centres. Reliance on private vehicles for transport is well established but as the region grows, we have a responsibility to facilitate safer, more reliable and user-friendly public and active transport.

The strategy aims:

  • to ensure that residents and visitors who cannot drive, have access to affordable and viable transport alternatives.
  • to encourage greater physical activity to benefit the health of residents.
  • to make it easier for customers to support local business whether they get there on foot, use a wheelchair, ride a bicycle, catch a bus or drive a car or truck.
  • to enhance the amenity and heritage of our city and towns by minimising air and noise pollution from traffic, the need for wider roads and more parking;
  • to ensure the economic resilience of our communities in the face of increasing petrol prices.

Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy

Waste

We’re progressing our Waste Infrastructure Plan, which aims to divert as much waste as possible from entering landfill. In 2018, we opened waste transfer facilities at Cecil Plains, Cooyar and Evergreen, which act as improved outlets for recycling. These services save direct costs and are greatly beneficial for the environment. In 2018, over 7500 tonnes of greenwaste was diverted from landfill as a result of this service, in addition to over 10,000 tonnes of waste recycled via kerbside collection.

In addition to these plans, in 2019 we began diverting tyres from landfill to be repurposed for our road reseal program.

Waste Infrastructure Plan