Support Schemes

Gascoyne Challenges

From Issue 2 of Zeroing In - 1st September 2006

Recycling at some of WA’s most environmentally sensitive tourist areas, including Coral Bay and Shark Bay, will be considered as part of a study into waste management in the Gascoyne, funded by the Strategic Waste Initiative Scheme.

The Gascoyne Development Commission has been awarded a grant to conduct a feasibility study into a waste management project for the region.

The study will investigate the potential for recycling in areas including Carnarvon, Exmouth, Shark Bay, Gascoyne Junction and Burringurrah and the popular tourist location of Coral Bay.

It will look at recycling possibilities both from domestic and non-domestic sources and consider the viability of kerbside recycling in major areas.

It will also look at whether back-loading trucks heading north could provide an opportunity for recyclables to be taken south.

Gascoyne Development Commission acting chief executive Steven Yule said the Gascoyne region had only limited existing recycling, compared to other regions in WA.

But it was vital that waste management be part of planning for the region, which was growing in population and as a tourist attraction.

‘The findings of the study will provide impetus to all four Local Government areas to address waste management issues crucial to our unique inland and coastal areas that up to now have been too difficult to tackle on a regional level,’ Mr Yule said.

‘International and domestic visitors to the Gascoyne region are seeking a pristine environment and this project will be the first step taken toward guaranteeing a strategic and responsible approach to ensuring this.’