Bundaberg Regional Council is continuing its commitment to local jobs and sustainability by teaming up with IMPACT Community Services to keep the region’s recycling facility running for up to another 10 years.
This commitment has paved the way to negotiate new commercial terms with IMPACT Community Services to manage the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on University Drive for an initial five-year term, with an option to extend for a further five years to 2035.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the new contract, to be finalised before December this year, built on a longstanding and successful collaboration.
“For 25 years, IMPACT has provided an essential service to our region through the operation of the MRF,” she said.
“This partnership ensures that we can continue to deliver these services efficiently while also supporting meaningful employment opportunities for people in our community.”
The MRF currently processes around 5,200 tonnes of recyclables each year.
It also accepts cardboard, LDPE plastics, steel, and materials under the DrumMuster program from commercial businesses.
The site doubles as a Container Refund Point and a CRS processing facility, further improving local recycling efforts.
The operation currently provides employment to 52 people, including 27 supported workers and 25 supervisors and support staff.
IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O’Shea welcomed the renewed partnership with Council.
“IMPACT Community Services has a proud history of operating Council’s MRF on behalf of the Bundaberg community, and we welcome Council’s decision to once again engage us for up to another 10 years,” Mrs O’Shea said.
“This agreement allows us to continue providing meaningful employment to local NDIS-supported individuals who may otherwise be unable to find work.
“The MRF operations provide an essential service by recovering valuable resources that would otherwise go to landfill. It delivers a cost-effective recycling solution for local residents and businesses, while also protecting our environment and creating employment opportunities that align with IMPACT’s mission of ‘Improving Lives’.
“We thank Council for their continued trust and confidence in IMPACT.”
Council’s Water, Waste and Renewable Economy spokesperson Cr Gary Kirk commended the partnership and said it was vital for maintaining inclusive employment pathways while managing waste responsibly.
“This is a specialist service that not only handles complex recycling needs, but does so in a way that creates supported jobs for local people,” Cr Kirk said.
“IMPACT has been doing this work for decades, and their ability to run both the MRF and container refund operations from the same site brings major efficiencies that help keep the service cost-effective.”
The Material Recovery Facility is located at 46 University Drive, Bundaberg.
Find out more here.
