South Australia’s Waste and Recycling Industry Association (WRISA) is set to strengthen its position, with a sharpened focus on its role as an industry advocate.
WRISA President Jim Fairweather said the association has an important role to play in the conversations and policy decisions impacting the management of waste and recycling, amid significant ongoing changes in the sector.
Fairweather explained that in addition to WRISA’s refined focus, the association is welcoming the appointment of a new Executive Officer – waste and resource recovery specialist Adam Gray.
“Mr Gray is an experienced Executive Officer and his knowledge in waste and resource recovery, stakeholder engagement and advocacy is a great fit, as WRISA moves to strengthen its position as a leading industry advocate,” he said.
“More than ever, we need to channel the industry’s voice – ensuring the views of large and small operators inform the legislation that will direct Australia’s approach to waste management and recycling for years to come.
“Since forming in 2017, WRISA has established a great foundation, offering a voice to South Australia’s industry, and we thank the association’s inaugural Executive Officer Chris Brideson for his valuable contribution,” Fairweather said.
Gray said he is looking forward to assisting industry partners see the value of a collective voice to promote the sector, optimise engagement with government and achieve collective business and community benefit.
“The waste and recycling sector has huge potential for growth and it’s an extremely exciting industry to work in,” he said.
“Given the cutting-edge developments and new technologies, the sector provides a mix of challenges and opportunities for legislators, regulators and industry alike – and the best way to optimise these for maximum benefit is to find common ground.”
According to Gray, a strong, collective voice and an ability to present evidence-based policy positions will allow the industry to advocate for quality, long-term outcomes for communities, businesses and the environment.
“For that to be a truly representative voice – from large corporates to smaller operators – the industry needs to seize the opportunity to have their views heard, so reaching out to current and potential members will be a high priority,” he said.
“I see a clear opportunity for WRISA to reset, encourage wider representation to inform critical conversations and build policy platforms, and create a new level of member value for South Australia’s waste and recycling operators.”
Gray has experience across local government, private consulting and peak industry associations.
His areas of speciality include waste and recycling, natural resource management, climate adaptation and street lighting.
“I’m looking forward to working with the industry to build a strong voice and positive future for South Australia’s waste and recycling sector,” he said.
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