In what is a first for National Parks in Queensland, following the efforts of Dion and Josie Lawrence, the Containers for Change (COEX) Noosa Express Recycling team with support from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), the Noosa North Shore now hosts a COEX pod at the Waste Transfer Station between the first and third cutting. Sandy shared her gratitude to all involved including Express Recycling, Cooloola Coastcare and our QPWS rangers, as well DETSI at the official launch, and her own advocacy for the program. This is especially relevant given that no bins are now provided in Cooloola in line with other National Parks. Pod bags for bottles and cans are available at the Great Sandy Visitor Information Centre on Moorindil Street when picking up permits. Other rubbish can be put into containers/ bags brought in by park users and dropped into their bin at home or at their next stop.

In Noosa’s battle against waste and plastics, this pod will assist in keeping bottles and cans off our beach, from our bush and waterways. This is vital for our ecosystem, which has continued to be impacted from unmanaged numbers of visitors due to insufficient resources and the poor behaviours of some. That 100% of all proceeds will help Cooloola Coastcare do what they do best protecting our beaches and turtles is a positive, however, more assistance is needed from government, residents and visitors to protect our greatest assets.

Inquiry into Improving Queensland’s Container Refund Scheme

The Health, Environment and Innovation Committee, of which Sandy is a member, is currently conducting an inquiry on improving Queensland’s container refund scheme and is due to table its report on Thursday, 2 October 2025. The terms of reference calls upon the committee to report on the following items in italics:

  1. The current state and operation of Queensland’s container refund scheme and its efficiency and effectiveness in meeting the scheme’s objects as outlined in section 99H of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011.
  2. The efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme’s administration by Container Exchange (Qld) Limited (COEX) as the appointed Product Responsibility Organisation under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, including:
    • its progress towards achieving the container recovery rate of at least 85 per cent for each financial year;
    • the availability of refund points across Queensland to provide the community with access to a place to return empty beverage containers in exchange for a refund; and
    • the final processing and utilisation of recycled products, ensuring transparency and public oversight.
  3. Whether the scope and objectives of the scheme remain fit for purpose and meet the needs of all Queenslanders, noting the Queensland government’s ongoing support for the scheme.
  4. Ensuring the appropriateness of governance arrangements, structures and expenditure (including sponsorship).
  5. Any other relevant matters.

With public submissions and hearings now complete, Sandy thanks everyone who shared their views and experiences on the current program and looks forward to working with her fellow committee members on developing the report. Sandy will update the community once the report has been published.

Further information

More information on COEX is available at www.containersforchange.com.au

Further information on Cooloola Coastcare can be found at www.cooloolacoastcare.org.au

Direct advocacy regarding this or any other matters related to the Environment can be directed to the Queensland Minster for Environment via environment@ministerial.qld.gov.au.  Please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive.

For our previous Noosa 360 updates on this, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=containers+for+change.