Council drives innovation, cutting 4,926 tonnes in landfill emissions
Published on 09 April 2026
Article by Debbie Spann, Category Manager
Southern Downs Regional Council has slashed carbon dioxide (CO2e) emissions by 4,926 tonnes and captured more than 518,642 m3 of harmful biogas (as at March 2026) in the past four months, the equivalent of planting 82,098 seedlings for the next decade.
The project, a partnership between Southern Downs Regional Council and LGI Limited (LGI) will deliver extraordinary long-term results for the environment and the local community, with Council and local ratepayers receiving a share of the Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) revenue generated by reducing landfill gas emissions.
The complex and multifaceted project was procured via Local Buy Arrangements, the largest provider of legislatively compliant pre-qualified supplier Arrangements in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Debbie Spann, Category Manager at Local Buy, said they were proud to support Southern Downs Regional Council and LGI Limited in delivering this outstanding environmental initiative through its pre-qualified supplier Arrangements.
“Projects like this demonstrate how councils can practically reduce emissions while delivering long-term environmental and financial benefits for their communities,” Ms Spann said.
“Landfill gas capture presents an opportunity for councils across Queensland to explore sustainable solutions that also generate value for ratepayers – I encourage any council interested in investigating similar initiatives to reach out to Local Buy to discuss how we can support the procurement and delivery process”.
The project sees LGI recover biogas from the Warwick Waste Management Facility and reduce methane emissions via an enclosed flaring unit. This methane abatement approach is measurable, immediate and irreversible.
In a media release on their website, Southern Downs Mayor, Melissa Hamilton said the project is a practical example of Council’s ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future.
“Reducing methane gas emissions is a win for both the community and the environment,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“Unflared methane biogas from landfills is one of the largest carbon emission sources from Council, accounting for approximately 65 per cent of emissions.
“The landfill gas flaring project is part of our broader effort to ensure the Warwick landfill operates in an environmentally responsible way that benefits our region’s liveability and sustainability.”
Portfolio Councillor for Healthy Communities Cr Sarah Deane said the project aligned with long-term environmental priorities and reflected the community’s commitment to sustainability.
“Through community engagement over many years, the residents of the Southern Downs have consistently told us that they value our climate, clean air and natural environment and we take the long-term environmental stewardship of our beautiful region seriously,” Cr Deane said.
“This project will be delivered at no cost to ratepayers, with LGI paying to install, operate and upgrade the system. There is also the potential for royalty income over the life of the project from the ACCUs, so this a win-win for both our hip pocket and our natural environment.”
LGI CEO, Jarryd Doran said the partnership with Council will deliver long term, meaningful environmental outcomes.
“Landfill gas capture systems reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and decrease odour emissions.” Mr Doran said.
“LGI’s carbon-cutting blueprint is becoming very popular as local governments, including Southern Downs Regional Council look to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the Australian Government’s commitment to slash emissions.”
This project was procured through LB313 Roads, General Civil Construction and LB312 Engineering and Environmental Consultancy. For more information on Local Buy Arrangements or for assistance with council procurement, please contact Category Manager, Construction, Roads and Engineering, Debbie Spann dspann@localbuy.net.au