A builders eye on the community he calls home
Shannon has lived in Stapylton since 2010 and, as a carpenter and builder, he's spent years working in and around the local area - giving him a practical, on-the-ground understanding of the community and the issues that shape it.

He joined the Community Reference Group to stay connected to the conversations that matter locally and to have a say in how projects like ARRC take shape. Shannon brings a straightforward, no-nonsense perspective to the table, and a particular interest in how ARRC can open doors for local businesses to play a bigger role in recycling and recovering raw materials.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m Shannon Jones, a 51-year-old carpenter and builder who has called Stapylton home since 2010. Living and working in the area has given me a strong interest in the local issues that shape the community.

What made you nominate to be a member of the Community Reference Group?

Being part of the Community Reference Group gives me a chance to stay connected to what is happening in my local area and to be involved in conversations that matter to the broader community.

Do you think Australians, in general, think much about how and where their rubbish goes once their bins are emptied each week?

From my perspective, many Australians probably do not give much thought to where their rubbish goes once their bins are emptied each week.

What do you see as the biggest opportunity ARRC will provide the Gold Coast?

One of the biggest opportunities ARRC could create is greater involvement from local businesses in sorting recycling and helping recover raw materials so they can be reused.

Has being a member of the Community Reference Group encouraged you to make any changes at home around managing waste?

Managing waste at home has always been something I take seriously, particularly when it comes to thinking about what ends up in landfill.

Given the Gold Coast’s well‑known can‑do attitude, how would you rate ARRC’s chances of success?

It is still too early to judge ARRC’s chances of success, but the project presents an important opportunity to explore smarter ways to manage waste for the future.