Media release – Southern Tasmanian Regional Waste Authority (STRWA), 8 March 2023

Southern Councils Taking Control of Waste

Last year, the 12 southern councils* established the Southern Tasmanian Regional Waste Authority (STRWA) to ensure there was a more effective and efficient coordination of waste management and resource recovery in the south.

The Board has now been appointed to drive the objectives set by the council owners which include:

  1. Fostering sustainable use of resources;
  2. Delivering efficient collection and reprocessing of resources;
  3. Supporting opportunities for the circular economy to reduce environmental
  4. impact and grow Tasmania’s economy; and
  5. Providing a collective voice for member councils on the circular economy, resource recovery and waste management and waste management in the region.

The Board comprises 2 council member representatives and 3 independent directors including:

  • Dr Katrena Stephenson (Independent Chair) – former CEO of the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), former Director Environment, Development and Community at Kingborough Council.
  • Kerry Vincent (Chief Member Representative) – Mayor of Sorell Council.
  • Bec Thomas (Deputy Chief Member Representative) – Mayor of Glenorchy City Council
  • Corey Peterson (Independent Director) – Chief Sustainability Officer, University of Tasmania
  • Ernie Hacker (Independent Director) – former Managing Director Norske Skog

The STRWA Chair, Dr Stephenson, said: “I identified opportunities for better coordination of waste and resource recovery efforts in Tasmania while CEO at LGAT and am delighted to be able to support continued improvements in this space through this new role.”

“There is already significant waste minimisation and resource effort being undertaken by southern councils.

“We have councils leading the way with ambitious zero waste to landfill strategies, kerbside food and organics collection, innovative education campaigns, single use plastic container bans at council events and the list goes on.

“However, now more than ever we need to think about waste in a coordinated way.

“With the introduction of the Waste and Resource Recovery Act 2022, the establishment of the State’s Waste and Resource Recovery Board and the current development of the inaugural Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2022-2025, councils are critical partners in ensuring a sustainable future.”

“I am excited to be Chair of a highly skilled and passionate Board. We are currently recruiting a CEO who will share our drive and commitment to deliver on the important functions of the STWRA”.

*Hobart City Council

Huon Valley Council

Brighton Council

Clarence City Council

Sorell Council

Derwent Valley Council

Glenorchy City Council

Tasman Council

Southern Midlands Council

Kingborough Council

Glamorgan Spring Bay Council

Central Highlands Council