The Federal and Victorian Labor Governments have unveiled a state-of-the-art plastic recycling facility set to process more than one billion plastic bottles annually.
Circular Plastics Australia’s ambitious “Project Symphony” in Altona North will not only tackle the plastic pollution crisis but also contribute to building a circular economy, as announced in a joint media release.
The facility, made possible through a $6 million joint investment by the Australian and Victorian Governments, along with a significant contribution of over $45 million from Circular Plastics Australia, aims to transform plastic waste into new food and beverage packaging.
The project’s significance extends beyond environmental benefits, as it has already generated 60 construction jobs and is anticipated to provide stable employment for over 45 individuals.
The Victorian Government said it is committed to establishing a circular economy, emphasising the reduction of initial production and the enhancement of reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing processes.
This initiative aligns with the broader national effort, as the Federal Government has augmented recycling capacity by over a million tonnes annually, resulting in the creation of more than 3,000 jobs nationwide, including 414 in Victoria.
The impact of this groundbreaking facility extends further, as the Recycling Modernisation Fund, bolstered by co-investments from states and industry, is set to inject a staggering $1 billion into Australian recycling efforts.
This substantial financial support aims to fortify the nation’s waste and recycling infrastructure, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
The Federal Minister for the Environment Tanya Plibersek underscored the desire of Victorians to play an active role in waste reduction, recycling, and minimising their ecological footprint.
The unveiling of a new plastic recycling facility, capable of processing a billion plastic bottles annually, is cited by Plibersek as a significant example of the necessary infrastructure to enhance recycling efforts in Australia, concurrently contributing to job creation.
“The Albanese Government is committed to working with states and territories to better manage waste and increase recycling capacity, and better protect our environment for our kids and grandkids,” the minister affirmed.
Similarly, the Victorian Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos underscored the inclination of Victorians to reduce pollution, increase recycling, and noted the role of facilities like the newly introduced plastic recycling facility in facilitating these goals while fostering job opportunities.
“These projects will mean more materials are being reused, repurposed and recycled, which brings us closer to reaching our target of diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030,” he stated.
For additional details on the latest funded Victorian projects, visit Sustainability Victoria’s Grants and Funding page.
