Southern Downs Regional Council

Role:  Locum Manager Environmental Services and Project Manager Waste Operations

When: February 2018 – June 2019

Leo was engaged by Southern Downs Regional Council in leading and managing the Environmental Services Department’s program delivery. He was also engaged to review the service department, processes and procedures to identify service improvements.

Leo also provided the CEO, management group and Council with specialist advisory services relating to departmental programs.

The Department’s programs covered:

• Waste Management – landfill management, cell closure, new cell development, monitoring and compliance review, awareness & education
• Environmental Health – food licensing and inspections, public health investigations
• Environmental Compliance and Policy – investigations, compliance, policy development and education
• Local Laws and Regulatory Services – weeds, animal management, aerial baiting programs, rabbit and dog fencing, regulated parking
• Integrated Pest Management – implementation of innovative pest control
  scheme with agencies and landholders.

Key project achievements:

• Integrated Pest Control Scheme (IPCS) – regional wide implementation 2018
• Full review of Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan (WRRP) (adopted September 2018)
• New regional wide domestic waste collection contract preparation and management procurement, contract execution and contract mobilisation and transition. New arrangement achieved significant savings over the contract lifespan.
• Secured $445K (9% of the State funding pool) for Waste Levy Ready projects. Leading the rollout of upgrades across 3 facilities / preparing tenders for – Fencing, CCTV surveillance, IT upgrades.
• Secured $75K State funding (50% matching funds) for SDRC Sustainability Strategy and Framework
• Review and completion of regional 2017-18 Food Premises Inspection Program (completed June 2018)
• Led Council’s response – unlawful asbestos disposal and site remediation program and delivered in-house education and awareness training to contractors and staff.
• Secured safe and secure asbestos disposal option at Stanthorpe waste facility in response to safety concerns and unlawful disposal activities.
• Implemented full asbestos management plans and registers across all waste facilities to meet statutory WHSQ requirements.