Funding to increase recycling and support regional jobs

Regional councils and business will have greater access to recycling thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s $6 million investment through the Regional Recycling Transport Assistance Package (RRTAP).

The Regional Recycling Transport Assistance Package (RRTAP) is an example of waste levy revenue supporting regional Queensland.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said the package will provide support for organisations in regional Queensland to do more recycling and divert waste from landfill.

“We know that regional Queensland faces unique challenges when it comes to recycling particularly the high transportation costs,” Ms Enoch said.

“This package helps offset the higher costs of transporting recycling material from regional areas by providing grants of up to $250,000 for the transport costs associated with recycling.

“It will help support jobs for councils who want to increase the frequency of collection and transportation of recycling material,” Ms Enoch said.

Applications for the grants are now open and are closing on 29 November 2019.

Greg Hallam, Chief Executive of the Local Government Association of Queensland said this is a great opportunity for both smaller regional councils and larger councils.

“There are job opportunities here that could really benefit everyone. There is also the chance to reduce waste going to landfill, and increase recycling.”

Ms Enoch said that while support is being provided to help with the cost of transporting recycling, the Palaszczuk Government is also investing $100 million to encourage new recycling infrastructure through the Resource Recovery Industry Development Program (RRIDP).

“New facilities could ultimately reduce the distance recycling is transported in the long term.”

To help councils, businesses and community members understand how RRTAP will work the Department of Environment and Science will holding public information sessions at the following locations:

• Emerald – 14 October 2019
• Townsville – 18 October 2019
• Roma – 21 October 2019 
• Bundaberg – 21 October 2019
• Cairns – 23 October 2019
• Mackay – 25 October 2019
  

More information about these sessions can be found at: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/management/waste/recovery/funding-grants

Guidelines for RRTAP are available online at: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/management/waste/recovery/funding-grants   

Applications are now open and can be submitted through the SmartyGrants portal before the closing date of 29 November 2019.

Ends

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