The Federal government and the Queensland state government have joined forces to invest more than $12.79 million in six new recycling initiatives, diverting almost 69,000 tonnes of garbage from Queensland landfills each year.
In a media statement, the Queensland Government said waste recycling capacities will be improved throughout South East Queensland, especially in Rockhampton, Brisbane, Toowoomba, Logan, and the Gold Coast.
The six projects will also support 82 construction jobs and produce 116 permanent ones, which will help the economy and increase employment.
With the help of the new infrastructure, waste plastics, paper, cardboard, and glass will be sorted, processed, and made into new goods that may be used in sustainable food packaging, manufacturing, and construction.
Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek stated that increasing recycling is not only beneficial for the environment but is also excellent for jobs, citing that for every job in waste, there are three jobs in recycling.
“The previous government promised to boost recycling but fell woefully short. We’re determined to turn that around. This funding is supporting new recycling infrastructure and helping Queensland communities recycle more,” Minister Plibersek noted.
Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles underscored the need to do more to divert waste from landfills and convert it into valuable new products.
“Partnering with industry on sustainable recycling opportunities means we are kickstarting projects that are expected to create a total of 116 new recycling industry jobs once operational,” the premier said.
He added, “These projects support decarbonisation and are a great example of our move towards a circular economy, where as much valuable material as possible is diverted from landfill through reuse, recycling and remanufacturing.”
Meanwhile, Queensland Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leanne Linard stated that funding resource recovery efforts is critical to ensuring Queensland’s sustainable future.
“By supporting re-use, recycling and remanufacturing here in Queensland, it’ll help achieve our goal to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill and hit 65 per cent recycling by 2030,” Linard said.
The minister also noted, “It’s imperative that we find ways to avoid adding to landfill, and in turn, contribute to our net-zero emissions goals through better waste management. These new projects certainly tick these boxes.”
The funding is part of a $1 billion national increase in recycling infrastructure, with the Albanese Government committing $250 million through the Recycling Modernisation Fund, as well as contributions from state and territory governments and businesses.
Queensland Recycling Modernisation Fund (QRMF) support enhances waste processing and expands the recycling sector across the state.
The Recycling Modernisation Fund’s upcoming round will focus on cutting-edge solutions for difficult-to-recycle plastics.
Applications close in November.
More information can be found at www.dcceew.gov.au.
