Where waste management meets environmental passion

Sue has lived in Kingsholme for over 30 years and brings with her a wealth of community and environmental experience. As a long-time member of North East Albert Landcare and Watergum and Secretary of the Ormeau Progress Association, she's deeply connected to the Gold Coast's people and places.

Sue joined the Community Reference Group because she saw an opportunity to bring the voice of local environmental and community groups to the table and to help carry information about ARRC back out to the people who need it most.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Sue Durance. I have lived in Kingsholme for over 30 years. I am a registered teacher and have worked in both the education and not-for-profit sectors during this time.

I have been a committee member of North East Albert Landcare and Watergum since 1992. I am passionate about restoring our unique Gold Coast ecosystems and protecting vulnerable species such as the critically endangered Ormeau Bottle Tree.

I aim to encourage positive environmental change through community engagement and stakeholder education. I am also the Secretary of the Ormeau Progress Association, which works to support and advance Ormeau and surrounding districts.

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

Effective waste management is an important part of environmental protection and restoration. I felt I could contribute to the Community Reference Group using the knowledge and experience I have gained through my voluntary environmental work.

I also wanted to share suggestions and concerns raised by local community groups and help communicate information about ARRC back to the community.

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

I believe most Australians want to do the right thing, but the process can be confusing. Common issues include soft plastics, batteries, e-waste and understanding what belongs in green bins.

For some people, the process feels too difficult, so it becomes out of sight, out of mind.

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

ARRC provides an opportunity to turn a growing waste challenge into a more sustainable solution. Reducing reliance on landfill and generating renewable energy from non-recyclable waste are significant benefits for the Gold Coast.

It also creates opportunities for better recycling outcomes for both residents and industry. Importantly, ARRC has strong potential as an education hub, supporting learning around environmental, social and economic sustainability.

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

Since becoming involved with ARRC, I have purchased a compost bin through the City and arranged for a green bin. Although I live on acreage and already compost, these additions make it easier for other members of the household to participate.

It has also strengthened my commitment to reducing landfill and recycling everything I can.

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

The concept of ARRC is strong and, while there are still details to work through, it has a good chance of success if the community supports it.

For this to happen, people need a clear understanding of what ARRC is and the benefits it can provide now and into the future.