Queensland Government: Expanding the container refund scheme From 1 November 2023, glass wine and pure spirit bottles will be eligible for a 10-cent refund when returned to a container refund point in Queensland. Over 6,600 Queenslanders recently provided feedback on expanding the container refund scheme during the consultation process. There was overwhelming support for expanding the scheme, which currently includes most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard drink containers. More than 99 per cent of Queenslanders were in favour of more containers being included. Before 1 November 2023, glass wine and spirit bottles will not be accepted at refund points and should still be placed in your yellow lid bin or taken to your local transfer station, where these services are available. At container return points, you can direct the 10-cent refund payment to a registered community group. Some groups even run their own container donation  points to retain the refund payment. Not only will you be giving back to your community, you are also helping to keep waterways clean and free of litter and  reducing landfill. More information: Containers for Change Eligible containers Consultation results

Queensland Government: Investing in the Fitzroy for better Reef water quality The Fitzroy Basin is the second largest basin in Australia and a priority region for managing the quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef. The Queensland Government’s $270.1 million Queensland Reef Water Quality Program funds a range of projects working with industry, agricultural producers  and communities across the six Reef regions, including the Fitzroy region. Each year, $1.25 million is invested to support the five regional report card partnerships in the Great Barrier Reef catchment, including $140,000 for the Fitzroy Partnership for River Health. The Queensland Government’s Reef Assist program is providing funding towards on-ground restoration projects with employment and training outcomes for  participants. The Woorabinda Healing Country and Gully Remediation Program is a $1.39 million Reef Assist 2.0 project being led by Greening Australia. The two-year  project focuses on reducing sediment run-off by stabilising eroding gullies and streambanks across Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council land and Woorabinda  Pastoral Company land. It is providing valuable opportunities for First Nations people to develop skills and work on Country. The Woorabinda project is one of 11 projects funded across the entire Great Barrier Reef catchment under the second phase [...]

Central Highlands Regional Council: Sustained by the mighty Nogoa Sustained by the mighty Nogoa River system and often dominated by droughts and flooding rains, the Central Highlands region is an integral part of the Fitzroy Basin. For Central Highlands Regional Council, water management is one of its key strategic priorities. In early 2023, much-needed work at the Dingo and Duaringa water treatment plants began with the design phase. Construction began in May with an estimated completion by end 2023. Both plants will have an ultrafiltration unit installed, refurbished clarifiers, new chemical storage and dosing facilities as well as new amenities and offices. Duaringa will gain two additional treated water storages, and the elevated tower will be removed in Dingo, and a new pump station installed. The approximate amount of these updates is just over $5 million. “These upgrades are very important to the livelihood of our residents in Dingo and Duaringa. Duaringa will have larger, more reliable storage and Dingo residents will notice better water pressure,” General Manager Infrastructure & Utilities Jason Hoolihan explained. “With consistent servicing and maintenance which council is committed to, these new upgrades will last up to 15 years,” Mr Hoolihan said. “The second phase [...]