Central Queensland University Accounting lecturer Stacey Cunningham is helping to shape a voluntary Industry Waste Reduction Agreement for the plastics sector. Based ar CQU Bundeberg, Stacey is completing her Phd studies by investigating corporate environmental disclosure practices following the introduction of the Corporations Act and the National Pollutant Inventory.

A study, completed by Stacey with the Bundaberg City Council, showed that an agricultural plastics recycling operation could be financially viable within the Bundaberg district. “Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland and the plastics and chemical industry are attempting to address the issue of agricultural plastic waste disposal and recycling. At present over 860 tonnes of plastic mulch and trickle tubing are used in the Bundaberg region annually. This is a major economic and environmental cost,” said Stacey. “The issue must be addressed in order to reduce the impact on non-renewable resources, whilst at the same time we need to look at alternatives for an industry which is crucial for not just the Wide Bay- Burnett region but other small crop areas throughout the state and Australia.” With no reduction in usage of these products in the foreseeable future, Stacey belives alternative disposal options need to be identified to increase sustainability of the fruit and vegetable industry and to reduce the impact on the environment from current disposal options.