Queensland's environment minister said the waste levy which came into effect July 1 was good news for industry growth and job creation right across the state.
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Minister Leeanne Enoch said the levy will create a much-needed source of funding to develop the waste and recycling industry, including in regional Queensland.
"The Palaszczuk Government has made a commitment that the waste levy will have no direct impact on households, and has provided Mount Isa City Council with over $932,000 in an advance payment to ensure that happens," Ms Enoch said.
"In addition, Mount Isa City Council has received a $280,000 grant from the State Government to upgrade waste infrastructure at the Camooweal and Mount Isa landfill sites."
Ms Enoch said they were also providing $6 million to assist regional councils and businesses with recycling transport costs.
"All of this is evidence of our strong commitment to support local councils and communities with the introduction of the levy," she said.
Meanwhile traffic conditions at the Mount Isa Waste Management Facility have changed for commercial and residential customers, due to modifications for the levy.
Mount Isa City Council is asking residential customers to respect the new traffic design and work with Waste Facility staff.
Upon entry to the facility, they are now required to turn left and head to the recycling/transfer station area, where a staff member will assist them further.
Commercial customers are required to turn right and head to the weighbridge, where a staff member will advise where the load is to be placed. Road markings at the facility are in the process of being updated to reflect the new traffic conditions and should be completed in the coming week.
Waste Management Team Leader Sam Wylie said traffic islands are in place at the entry area ahead of July 1.
"On Monday we will have a staff member at the turn-in point, to communicate with customers and direct traffic until the signage is put in place. While we all get accustomed to the new traffic plan there may be some slight delay, and it would be appreciated if everybody can be patient during this period," Mr Wylie said.
Council will soon create an easement for large trucks, semi-trailers and heavy vehicles removing recyclable items from the facility, to enable them to access the site more easily.
An extra traffic light will also be installed, at the intersecting paths at the weighbridge, to synchronise traffic flow.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
