The Tasmanian Government is allocating up to $1 million in grants to support the state’s smaller waste operators in reporting waste data from July 2024.
In a news release, the government said the move is poised to bolster regional jobs and facilitate efficient waste management.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Roger Jaensch announced the successful recipients of the Waste Data Readiness Grant Program, made available through the Circular Economy Fund.
The program aims to assist smaller resource recovery operators, such as the Waratah-Wynyard Council, by covering the costs of modifying business systems and infrastructure.
This support enables these operators to enhance their understanding of waste streams, fostering future recycling and reuse initiatives within Tasmania’s developing circular economy.
The grants, designated for facility upgrades including tollbooths, weighing and IT infrastructure, software enhancements, and building works, will empower operators to classify materials effectively and comply with the Waste and Resource Recovery Act 2022.
Eleven successful applicants, including Circular Head Council, Huon Valley Council, and King Island Council, collectively received $290,000 in grant funds.
Minister Jaensch emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting local job creation, reinforcing the ongoing economic strength of Tasmania.
“There are now 51,800 more Tasmanians in jobs than when the Liberals came to Government in 2014, with a record high of 290,000 Tasmanians now in work, many of those in regional areas,” Minister Jaensch said.
The Circular Economy Fund, backed by a commitment of $1 million each year for two years from the Liberal Government, aims to assist landfill and resource recovery facilities in complying with waste management regulations.
Minister Jaensch highlighted the government’s dedication to waste tracking improvements, with $725,855 already allocated to 16 larger operators for enhanced data capture.
The latest round of grants brings the total provided to $1,015,855, the government revealed.
