The community engagement strategy follows rejection of a waste processing plant put forward by contractor Suez earlier in the year.

Scott Ogier, public services deputy minister, said: “We said when the States (the island parliament) rejected the proposed Suez plant earlier this year that before we come back with a new strategy we would first listen to the public. That is the purpose of this process.

“It is no good us going away and simply asking what States Members want or coming up with our own solution. That approach has failed us in the past, and we cannot afford to fail again.

“We have to get it right this time, and that means not just listening to this group or that group, but encouraging everyone to get involved.

“We need islanders to help define the strategy, because we will need their support to make it work.”

Authorities are keen to win public approval and avoid future objections.

The strategy will look at the way waste is managed, from collection through to processing and disposal.

Dozens of workshops have been organised in venues across the island, calling on a stakeholder representatives to have their say.

Parish douzaines – the equivalent of local councils – environmental and conservation groups, businesses, youth groups and charities are invited.

The session findings will be fed into a public meeting due to take place in the town of Beau Sejour in early October.

“A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes preparing for this programme,” said Mr Ogier.

“I don’t think that will necessarily be apparent now or even after the first sessions, but when we get to the end of this process and people see the results I believe they will realise it was time well spent.”

David Gibbs

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