Gold Coast waste-to-energy development: Veolia boss Richard Kirkman’s view on $2bn project

Plans for a giant $1.2bn waste to energy project in the Gold Coast’s far north have come under the microscope of a leading industry figure who has weighed in on whether it will work.

Mayor Tom Tate’s plans for a giant $1.2bn waste to energy project in the city’s far north have been welcome by one of the world’s largest waste companies.

Veolia’s Australia and New Zealand boss Dr Richard Kirkman has thrown his weight behind the plan, which Mr Tate says will be a key project he wants to get locked in during the next four years.

Mr Tate announced in February he would fast forward the building of an Advanced Resource Recovery Centre (ARRC) in the Yatala-Stapylton area.

Mayor Tom Tate. Picture Glenn Hampson

Dr Kirkman said the technology was the way forward, with other states also looking into its use.

“Veolia can only applaud the progressive Gold Coast Council on their selection of this technology as they move closer to creating a truly circular economy,” he said.

“Energy from waste is the latest resource recovery technology that diverts non-recyclable items like waste water sludge or mixed red lid bin waste away from landfills, producing valuable materials and renewable energy.

“In other states Veolia is really excited to be bringing this technology to Australia – and is the only resource recovery player with significant operating experience globally with 65 facilities in operation.”

Artist impression of the Waste to Energy plant under construction in Dubai.

The ARRC could cost up to $2bn and was inspired by Mr Tate’s 2022 visit to the a $1.1bn waste-to-energy facility in Dubai.

The project is being touted as a critical recycling step for the City, saving more than $1.8bn.

“It’s a massive undertaking and I commit to full community consultation as we move forward. The vision will see around 98 per cent of our waste diverted from landfill,” Mr Tate said during the election campaign.

Richard Kirkman, CEO of Veolia Australia

“Initial reports suggest the ARRC will save the city $60m each year for 30 years, compared to transporting waste to third party landfills outside of the Gold Coast.

“I want to see an end to landfill on the Gold Coast. Under my vision, our existing landfill sites will be the last sites ever commissioned in our city,” Mr Tate said.

“We will move to a zero landfill future in around 12 years, once these sites have reached their end of life.

“To achieve this, I propose that our city will become a leader in waste processing.”

The new council term begins on Friday when the 15 councillors are sworn in.