Long-term management strategies for two Bundaberg Region waste facilities are progressing as major traffic improvements begin at University Drive and Qunaba increases its focus on resource recovery.
The major infrastructure upgrades at the Bundaberg Waste Facility on University Drive, which are designed to improve traffic flow, are set to kick off this year which will necessitate the closure of the recycled goods shop at this location.
However, Water, Waste and Renewable Economy portfolio spokesperson Cr Jason Bartels said it would not result in less resource recovery from that facility with all recycled goods shop items to remain available to the public at the Qunaba Waste Facility.
He said the relocation of the recycled goods shop reflected both infrastructure needs and Council’s strategic focus on resource recovery.
“Council is preparing to undertake significant capital works at the University Drive waste facility, including upgrades to the site entrance and improvements to internal traffic flow,” Cr Bartels said.
“These works include construction of two new weighbridges, internal road upgrades, a roundabout and a temporary bypass road to safely manage traffic during construction.
“Due to the location of these works, the existing recycled goods shop area cannot remain operational and these items will be diverted to our Qunaba facility.
“Qunaba provides a more suitable, purpose‑built location for recycled goods and reuse activities, with improved layout, capacity and operational efficiency.
“This relocation allows us to continue recovering valuable reusable items, reduce waste going to landfill and provide a better experience for customers.”
The Qunaba recycled goods shop will continue operating as Council’s primary reuse outlet, offering a dedicated undercover space, separate parking and improved customer access.
Valuable recyclable materials from the Bundaberg facility will continue to be recovered and diverted from landfill, with suitable items made available for resale through the Qunaba Recycle Good Shop.
Cr Bartels said the plan supported Council’s broader strategic planning for Qunaba to function as the region’s main resource recovery hub, delivering long‑term environmental and service benefits.
“I encourage residents to continue supporting reuse and recycling through the Qunaba recycled goods shop,” he said.
The Bundaberg Waste Facility recycled goods shop is expected to cease operating by 31 May to allow time for bypass roads to be constructed prior to the capital works projects getting underway.
Council understands that infrastructure projects can cause inconveniences and thanks the community in advance for its understanding while these important upgrades are delivered.
For more information about waste and recycling facilities and recycled goods shop operating hours, visit bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
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I think its an absolutely idiotic and disgusting decision to close the recycling shop at university drive and make people drive out to qunaba!
University drive also has alot more incoming refuse and therefore recycling items available than the other tips!
Plus its 20 minutes each way and they have shorter operating hours 🤬
Most people buy from tip shops because its an item you can’t find or don’t need to be “new” and theres also the price factor!
All that this ludicrous decision will do is result in a bigger volume of items going into landfill!
Take a look at the tips with tip shops in other cities! I can think of numerous that work alot better!
Some of them even re-sell stuff like car parts and boats!
20 yesrs ago most of the tip shops were open whenever the tip was open, then slowly changed to less and less hours (probably due to less and less staff employed/budget cuts) and in recent months only open on 1 or 2 days for a few hours.
I believe that all this is going to do is mean that more potentially recyclable/ resalable items go to landfill, because who in their right mind wants an extra 40 minute round trip to qunaba for a $5 tip item when the cost of living is going crazy!
I’d say to Jason Bartels, and Councillors more generally, good luck with convincing people who want to try and do the right thing and recycle used goods, to drive out to Qunaba to give their goods, instead of the convenience of using the local facility at University Drive. At least consider having a ‘drop off point’ for recyclable goods at the University site for subsequent Council transfer to Qunaba. The way the media article reads suggests this could be done anyway by just dumping the goods in landfill and Council staff then retrieve recyclable goods and transfer to Qunaba, A ‘dropoff point’ would save Council staff the time taken to retrieve them. For such a big budget item as waste management, on a number of levels it seems Council might consider a more strategic, long-term approach as being useful.
I agree with Andy Cann. Perhaps close the facility in University Drive while the facility is being upgraded, Then reopen it when the work is finished. People are generally lazy or watching their pennies or their time and will not travel out of town to dispose of their recyclable/recoverable goods. I was disappointed to visit the centre a university drive, nothing was cared for, just left in the rain to rot. If this council is serious about recycling or reuse of items to help the planet and environment, to keep the landfill mass down, maybe take a leaf out of the refuse station at Noosa, several buildings filled with items that people can easily pick up and reuse/repurpose. Everything is clean and kept in enclosed sheds. It is like an Op shop.
The cost of 2-3 staff to run this enterprise is something that I as a ratepayer would be prepared to pay for. Every little bit helps the environment and helps the hip pockets of some on the receiving end too.