Council hears from children on waste
Students from Argyll East Primary School were among those attending Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s (CHBDC) full council meeting last Thursday to speak to elected members about the district’s draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP).
Every six years councils are required to review and consult on their WMMP which sets the direction for how they manage and minimise waste in the district for the following six years. CHBDC asked residents to submit their views on its draft WMMP in July 2019.
The draft plan proposes a vision for a Waste-Free CHB which aims to increase diversion of waste from landfill from 32 per cent to 70 per cent by 2040; increase diversion from landfill from 32 per cent to 48 per cent by 2025; and increase participation in kerbside recycling services from 40 per cent to 60 per cent.
The council received 59 submissions, 29 of which were from Argyll East School. The majority of submissions supported the targets and actions in the draft plan.
There was support for additional actions, including expansion of services to rural areas; further investigation into green waste options; investigating increased provision of public recycling bins; and investigating introduction of wheelie bins for recycling.
The Argyll East students made a strong submission for more rural dropoff recycling stations, “no dumping” signs around the district and for the CHB District Council to lobby Government to use more natural resources — especially wool.
Councillor Tim Aitken agreed that there was a lack of anti littering signage in the region and suggested the school could be asked to design some.
Neen Kennedy spoke to a submission on behalf of Sustainable Ewe and a new initiative, Enviro CHB.
This new initiative would see an environmental centre set up in CHB, along the lines of the Hastings centre.
The centre would offer recycling services not currently available kerbside, provide information and education, and act as a hub for environmental groups and services already established.
“We already have a committee, volunteers, office furniture, information and flyers — now all we need is a central location where people can access it all,” Neen said.
CHB College Y12 student Abby O’Kane spoke to a submission by Jeni Brown, who wants to see solid waste from farms and lifestyle blocks reduced and recycled, especially bale wrap, feed and fertiliser bags, string, twine and silage pit covers.
She suggested Council could encourage farmers to use Christchurch company Plasbac’s recycling bin scheme.
“I want to thank our community for taking the time to provide their feedback on our proposed plans,” Monique Davidson, chief executive for CHB District Council said.
“It’s vital that whatever approach we take to managing and minimising waste in the district, reflects the wants and needs of our communities who are directly impacted by the outcomes of our approach.
“I especially wish to thank the primary school students from Argyll East School and other members of the public who presented in person.
“Your attendance provides a true voice for the community and gives elected members an opportunity to ask further questions so they truly understand your views.”
Feedback from councillors deliberating on submissions from the community will be included in the final WMMP and be brought back to council for final adoption on September 26.
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