Douglas Shire Council has endorsed an initiative that will make it easier for residents and businesses to access free mulch - supporting both environmental goals and community wellbeing. 

Under the newly approved resolution, Council will waive fees for mulch sales at the Killaloe and Newell Transfer Stations during designated free mulch periods. 

“This is a win for our environment and our community,” said Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon.

“Free mulch periods help manage stockpiles, reduce landfill pressure, and give residents a chance to improve their gardens sustainably.” 

Free mulch periods will be scheduled based on stockpile volumes and operational requirements, with the Resource Management team determining whether to offer mulch to domestic customers only or include commercial users as well. 

Without this initiative, excess green waste would need to be transported to Springmount  Landfill - an expensive and environmentally taxing option. By keeping mulch local and  accessible, Council is advancing its waste diversion targets and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable resource management. 

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for upcoming free mulch announcements and  take part in this practical, eco-friendly opportunity.

Douglas Shire Council has taken a bold step toward cleaner waste streams and smarter  recycling by endorsing a grant submission to the Queensland State Government GROW FOGO Fund for $118,025. The funding will support a bin harmonisation program that replaces outdated dark green lids on general waste bins with nationally compliant red lids across 4,721 Douglas Shire households. 

If successful, Council will partner with Cleanaway to roll out this initiative which aims to reduce contamination, improve resource recovery, and align Douglas Shire’s waste services with the  Australian Standards. The rollout will prioritise high-density areas and is expected to take 4–6 months. 

"We're incredibly thankful to the GROW FOGO Fund for the opportunity to submit this grant  application,'' said Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon.

“Bin harmonisation is a vital  step toward improving our waste systems and reducing contamination across the Shire. If  successful, this funding will help us deliver a cleaner, more consistent service for our residents.”

Douglas Shire Council has endorsed a new contract that will ensure the continued responsible management of biosolids across the region. At its Ordinary Meeting, Council awarded Contract  2025-064 to Arkwood (Gloucester) Pty Ltd for the regional removal and beneficial reuse of biosolids, commencing 1 October 2025 for a three-year term. 

Biosolids - treated by-products of the wastewater process - are produced in significant  volumes at the Port Douglas and Mossman treatment plants. With the current contract set to  expire and limited suppliers available in Far North Queensland, Council has opted to continue  its partnership with Arkwood, who offer a complete end-to-end service including collection,  transport, testing, and land application. 

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon was supportive of the decision. 

“This contract ensures we meet our environmental obligations while supporting sustainable agricultural practices,” she said. 

The arrangement is part of a broader regional effort led by the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC), which has helped streamline procurement and secure favourable terms for participating councils.