QLDC is seeking innovative ideas to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices across the district. The Waste Minimisation Community Fund (WMCF) provides up to $60,000 in funding for projects that minimize waste and maximize resource recovery. This fund is open to individuals, businesses, schools, and community groups who share a passion for sustainability and want to contribute to a zero-waste future.
- Previous projects have included upcycling of old uniforms, school community composting, repair and reuse hubs, reusable packaging trials, sustainable period workshops, and food waste education campaigns.
- The QLDC has a track record of supporting successful projects, such as Naylor Love’s Community Upcycling Station, which diverted 70% of waste from landfill and promoted community reuse.
- The WMCF is an opportunity for the community to come together and develop new ideas that can make a positive impact on the environment.
“We know there’s no shortage of great ideas across our district,” said Emma Brockie, Sustainability Advisor at QLDC. “This fund is about empowering our community to bring those ideas to life and work together toward a zero-waste future, built on the principles of a circular economy.”
“Collective small actions can have a huge impact and create lasting change,” says Emma. “We encourage anyone with a creative idea for minimising waste and maximising resource recovery to apply and help build a more sustainable future for our community.”
Naylor Love, a construction company, took up funding from the WMCF last year to create a Community Upcycling Station in Queenstown. The goal was to divert 70% of waste from landfill and promote community reuse. The station offers leftover construction materials to the community free of charge, that would have otherwise gone to landfill.
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| Naylor Love’s Community Upcycling Station | Divert 70% of waste from landfill and promote community reuse by offering leftover construction materials to the community. |
| Brew & Reuse | Repurpose used grain bags from breweries into practical, long-lasting tote bags for everyday use. |
| Sofia Cinque’s Sustainable Periods workshops | Educate and empower individuals about sustainable menstruation practices and promote the use of low-waste options. |
Applications for the QLDC Waste Minimisation Community Fund open today and close on 25 May 2025. The WMCF is an opportunity for the community to come together and develop new ideas that can make a positive impact on the environment. If you have a creative idea for minimising waste and maximising resource recovery, we encourage you to apply and help build a more sustainable future for our community.
“We know there’s no shortage of great ideas across our district,” said Emma Brockie, Sustainability Advisor at QLDC. “This fund is about empowering our community to bring those ideas to life and work together toward a zero-waste future, built on the principles of a circular economy.”
Don’t miss this chance to make a difference.