Waste plan adopted
CHB District has formally adopted its Solid Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (SWMMP), which sets the direction for the management and reduction of solid waste in the district, an activity considered in the 2018-2028 long term plan.
Council said it was encouraged by the community's response during the consultation phase of the SWMMP with a total of 11 submissions received and three submitters requesting to speak to their submission.
From the submissions, council said it was clear there was already great work going on in the district and the scope to work collaboratively with existing groups to develop a stronger working partnership.
The Permaculture Group, The Food Basket, Boomarang Bags and Sustainable Ewe were groups identified as positively contributing towards a more sustainable district, promoting a healthier and sustainable lifestyle. Sustainable Ewe is a group that encourages gardening, composting, recycling, and swapping of items generally designated for the landfill.
Neen Kennedy, local resident and founder of the Sustainable Ewe group on Facebook, spoke about the increased need to promote and educate about sustainability.
“We need to focus more on waste minimisation rather than waste management. Sustainable ideas need to be made available to all residents in CHB. Incentives such as worm farming, Bokashi or composting help promote a sustainable lifestyle.”
Josh Lloyd, council's group manager of community development and infrastructure, described the adoption of the SWMMP as a significant milestone which marked the first steps towards a more sustainable CHB.
“Work will now begin on implementing activities outlined in the plan including the establishment of a fund made available to the community for relevant initiatives.”
With the school holidays fast approaching, the Central Hawke's Bay District Council Libraries will be running beeswax wraps sessions, as part of its school holiday programme for children aged 7 and over.
Delivered by Sustainable Ewe on Tuesday, July 17 at 2pm at the Waipawa Library and on Wednesday, July 18 at 10.30am at the Waipukurau Library, registrations for the sessions are essential and can be made by contacting CHB District Council Libraries on Facebook, by phone or at Waipawa or Waipukurau.
Later this year will see the advocacy of new waste minimisation initiatives including Bokashi as council takes proactive steps to support the community towards a sustainable future.