Hot Topic Archives: Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme: A story of
successful collaboration!
Developed by the previous Waste Management Board, together with Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA), the purpose of the Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme (the Scheme) is to encourage and assist local governments to work collaboratively to deal with waste management in their individual and collective jurisdictions.
In 2007, four Regional Coordinators were engaged by DEC to work with local governments across the State to implement the Scheme. Phase 1 of the Scheme, the reporting of waste related data by local governments, commenced in May 2007 and was completed in December 2007. Ninety one (91) percent of local governments participated in the survey.
Phase 2 of the Scheme, which involves the development and approval of Strategic Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) is currently underway, with SWMPs due for submission to DEC by 30 September 2008. Under this phase of the Scheme, approximately $2.3 million is available to local governments across the State.
Ninety five (95) percent of local governments are participating in Phase 2, with twenty four (24) groupings established involving one hundred and twenty three (123) local governments. There are twelve (12) local governments working alone to develop individual. SWMPs. Seven (7) local governments are not participating at this time, due primarily to isolation and resource issues.
The importance of local governments retaining ownership of their individual or regional plans is agreed by all parties. It is acknowledged that DEC approval of a plan will not signify any endorsement or DEC ownership of proposed Actions within a submitted SWMP.
Each SWMP submitted to DEC will be assessed against the Ministerial Conditions applying to Phase 2 of the Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme. The assessment process was developed with the assistance of WALGA.
Useful Documentation:
Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme Phase 2 Guidelines
Funding application form to be used in conjunction with completing Phase 2 of the Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme.
Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme (ZWPDS) Phase 1 Report 2006-2007
The Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme (ZWPDS) is intended to assist local governments in Western Australia with the preparation of a Strategic Waste Management Plan (SWMP) in order to facilitate enhanced planning for waste management and recycling.
