WMRR Welcomes Queensland's Waste Strategy and $975 Million Investment in Resource Recovery

17 June 2026

The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) has cautiously welcomed the Queensland Government's new Less Landfill, More Recycling 2035: Queensland Waste Strategy and its commitment to invest $975 million over five (5) years to improve recycling, reduce landfill and strengthen the state's circular economy.

WMRR CEO Gayle Sloan said the strategy and funding package combined, send a strong signal that Queensland is serious about improving resource recovery outcomes and investing in the infrastructure needed to support future growth. However, she noted that the decision to step back from national resource recovery targets may affect long-term investment confidence.

"Queensland generates almost 10 million tonnes of waste every year. How we manage those materials will shape the state's environmental, economic and manufacturing future," Ms Sloan said.

"The strategy demonstrates a clear commitment to improving resource recovery and building the infrastructure required to support a more circular economy. However, investor confidence is strengthened when governments maintain clear and consistent long-term recovery targets, supported by economic certainty."

Ms Sloan said the $487 million Waste Reduction and Recycling Activation Fund, the Resource Recovery Boost Fund projects, and continued investment in Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) services send an important signal that Queensland is committed to expanding the infrastructure needed to recover more resources and keep valuable materials in productive use.

"Queensland's size and diversity mean there can never be a one-size-fits-all approach. These investments across metropolitan and regional Queensland recognise that better recycling outcomes require real infrastructure on the ground," Ms Sloan said.

"Achieving higher recovery rates and creating regional jobs will depend not only on infrastructure investment, but also on strong economic and policy settings that support resource recovery markets."

The Association also encouraged Queensland to show leadership on product stewardship and priority materials, particularly batteries.

"Container deposit schemes are a powerful example of how state leadership can drive national reform. States acted because communities expected action, and over time that leadership delivered nationally consistent outcomes," Ms Sloan said.

"Queensland now has an opportunity to demonstrate similar leadership on batteries and other problematic materials that continue to pose environmental and safety challenges."

Ms Sloan said the waste levy remains Queensland's most important economic mechanism for diverting material from landfill, supporting investment in resource recovery infrastructure, and driving circular economy outcomes.

"The strategy provides the vision, and the funding commitment demonstrates intent. Continued confidence will depend on ensuring the right policies and market signals are in place to deliver the investment, innovation and long-term market development Queensland is seeking."

Ms Sloan said the proposed Infrastructure and Market Development Plan will be critical to delivering the strategy and unlocking further private sector investment.