Managing waste by design
How Beenleigh local Heidi Wood is helping shape the Gold Coast’s waste-smart future
Heidi Wood is a firm believer that even the smallest actions can have a big impact – and since joining the Advanced Resource Recovery Centre (ARRC) Community Reference Group, she’s putting that belief into practice.
The 30-year-old Beenleigh local and designer knew exactly why she wanted a seat at the table.
With a background spanning private and public building projects, Heidi brings a practical, design-led lens to CRG discussions.
“ARRC is one of the Gold Coast’s most significant projects and I wanted to be part of a group of like-minded community members who can provide local knowledge and feedback to help direct the project for success while making sure the impact on the surrounding community is considered,” she said.
Since joining the eight-person CRG in June 2025, Heidi’s understanding of waste management – and the role locals play in it – has grown considerably.
“While there is some education about what happens to our waste and recycling, it’s easy to bring the bin in each week and not give it a second thought,” she said.
“It may feel like there is a never-ending hole in the ground for our waste but learning how soon we will run out of landfill areas really highlighted the importance of finding alternate solutions.”
That’s where Heidi believes ARRC’s greatest potential lies.
“ARRC has the opportunity to address a critical landfill capacity challenge by diverting waste from landfill and creating valuable resources and energy,” she said.
“It also presents an opportunity to attract talent, research and industry through the innovation park.
“This creates a great opportunity for the Gold Coast to manage waste more effectively while also developing sustainable technologies for the future.”
That shift in thinking has also reached her own home.
“Getting the small things right like, for example, putting the correct things in your green bin, makes a big difference when rubbish arrives for processing at the Gold Coast’s waste facilities,” she said.
Heidi Wood taking a hands-on approach to sustainable living at home.
