Ahead of the annual Coffs Waste Conference, Thomas Freeman, Managing Director of Impact Environmental, shares what visitors can expect from this year’s event.
It is crucial for government, industry and community to work together to develop the strategies and solutions Australia needs now and into the future,” says Thomas Freeman.
Thomas, the Managing Director of Impact Environmental, which is responsible for the Coffs Waste Conference, says the Australian waste industry is evolving rapidly, navigating shifts in policy, technology, infrastructure and consumer expectations in its pursuit of a thriving circular economy.
It’s these challenges that this year’s annual conference, taking place at Opal Cove Resort from 13-15 May, will explore.
Thomas says it is set to be the most dynamic, interactive and relevant conference to date, uniting experts and practitioners across government and industry.
“When we created the conference in 1996, much of the sector’s focus was on landfill and technical knowledge-building, and our programming reflected that,” says Thomas.
“This remains an important part of the mix, but over the years the focus has grown beyond waste disposal to include the processing side of the industry, contracts, relationship management and much more.
“The program is very much determined by industry and will explore critical challenges and innovations and spark collaborative solutions.”
Impact Environmental invited papers from a cross-section of professionals and organisations, and has built a program around key themes most relevant to the sector.
Thomas says this year’s program engages deeply with the sector’s most pressing issues, from the implications of the New South Wales Government’s new mandatory FOGO (food and garden organics) legislation to energy-from-waste, infrastructure needs, the circular economy, and education.
Other key themes will include recycling and resource recovery, collection, landfill, equipment and technology, strategy and planning, Indigenous waste management, and commercial, industrial, construction and demolition waste.
The three-day program is divided into four streams allowing delegates to tailor their learning to their specific needs. Participants will hear from more than 100 foremost experts from government, industry and advocacy bodies.
Tony Chappel, Chief Executive Officer for NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), will deliver a keynote address, as will Penny Sharpe, the New South Wales Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage.
Other key speakers include Tierry Lauren, Executive General Manager for Visy Industries who will discuss the future of recycling in Australia, Joe Pickin, Director for Blue Environment will talk to the highlights of the National Waste and Resource Recovery Report 2024 and Bronwyn Isaac, Principal Policy Officer for NSW EPA will focus on the development of the NSW Reuse and Repair Strategy.
Perennial favourites, landscape architect Costa Georgiadis and TV producer Cate McQuillen, will also return, bringing their vibrant perspectives to rethinking communication for deeper community engagement. Further presenters will be announced in the lead-up to the event.
Four interactive expert panel discussions will focus on accelerating progress towards 2030 resource recovery targets, leveraging textile waste, effective product stewardship, and mitigating the risk of battery-related fires.
The conference is also offering a diverse program of interactive workshops, covering issues such as local government waste procurement, optimising waste levy exemptions, illegal dumping investigation, composting and more.
“The social aspects of the conference are a central and much-loved part of the event, with ample networking opportunities and highly anticipated social events,” Thomas says.
“Attendees look forward to this once-yearly opportunity to connect in person with their peers from across the full spectrum of the industry, at all levels, to share ideas and experiences and build community. Coming together as an industry to learn, connect, collaborate and lead change is vital in shaping a sustainable future – for the Australian waste sector and the planet.”
For more information, and to register, visit: www.coffswasteconference.com.au
