GBSAN Stanthorpe Today Column

First published in Stanthorpe Today on 23 September, 2024

There are lots of good things happening on the sustainability front on the Granite Belt. A number of projects that have been stalled over the past several years are gaining momentum or coming to fruition.

For example Council has now committed to piloting a home chemical waste collection scheme which fills an important gap in the region's waste management strategy. With no clear disposal mechanism, home chemicals have been stored in less than ideal conditions at home, sent to landfill or dumped down drains. A seriously bad outcome for the environment and ultimately public health. The new scheme gives households an easy, environmentally responsible alternative. Well done to the GBSAN Resource Recovery Team for persisting with its advocacy for the scheme.

Our agricultural sector uses a lot of plastics in the production of fruit and veggies locally. Until now with the exception of “T” tape, these plastics have been stored on farm or sent to landfill… or worse. Collection and disposal at landfill is costly for growers and ratepayers. Council has been successful in securing a grant to investigate the recovery and reprocessing of a variety of agricultural plastic waste materials. Due to be completed in mid-2026, the project’s steering group includes Council, the Granite Belt Growers Association and GBSAN.

The long running carbon credit scheme involving a number of Traprock properties is about to deliver a dividend for participating landholders. Managed by Regen Farmers Mutual and involving the Traprock Association and GBSAN, the scheme is desired to financially reward graziers for managing country that restores native woodland while sequestering carbon. It’s been a longtime coming but the first sale of carbon credits is on the horizon.

And finally the Granite Belt Growers Association are partnering with Council to trial a farm organic waste composting initiative that will see this waste stream converted to a valuable resource that improves soil productivity and water retention, meaning less chemical inputs and a productivity dividend for participating growers.

These are all great examples of initiatives that generate economic value while reducing our environmental footprint. They also demonstrate the power of positive partnerships. There’s lots to do on the sustainability front but these projects demonstrate that the Granite Belt is stepping up on a number of fronts to ensure our economy becomes more sustainable and a culture of cooperation is developed that leads to further sustainable development projects. Watch this space…