Who will deliver Australia’s circular economy?
That was the question posed by WRIQ Chief Executive Officer Alison Price during her recent presentation to the Industry Skills Australia Waste Transport Sector Forum, where she shared findings from WRIQ’s landmark Queensland Economic Contribution and Workforce Study.
The presentation highlights the critical role people play in delivering Australia’s waste and recycling services and why workforce capability must become a national priority as governments pursue ambitious circular economy and resource recovery targets.
Drawing on the first industry-wide workforce census undertaken in Queensland, Alison explores the workforce pressures already facing the sector, including an ageing workforce, shortages of drivers, machinery operators and technical staff, increasing demand driven by population growth, and the changing skills required to support modern recycling and resource recovery operations.
The presentation also demonstrates that waste and recycling is a highly productive, technically skilled industry that delivers essential public services while making a significant contribution to Queensland’s economy.
As new initiatives such as FOGO, battery stewardship, advanced recycling and circular economy policies continue to emerge, the presentation reinforces the need for coordinated workforce planning, stronger training pathways and greater recognition of the industry’s unique workforce requirements.
The presentation forms part of WRIQ’s ongoing work to provide an evidence base for workforce planning and to advocate for practical solutions that support the long-term sustainability of Queensland’s waste and recycling industry.
