Resource Recovery Round Two funding opens today

Overwhelming interest in Stream One of the Queensland Government’s $100 million Resource Recovery Industry Development Program (RRIDP) has seen a second round of $15 million fast-tracked, with expressions of interest for round two opening today.

Minister for State Development and Manufacturing Cameron Dick said more than 120 expressions of interest were received from across Queensland for round one of RRIDP funding.

“This funding is a Queensland first and it’s all about creating jobs for Queenslanders,” Mr Dick said.

“The RRIDP is propelling the development of this growing high-value industry, creating more jobs for Queenslanders with dollar-for-dollar capital grants of between $50,000 and $5 million available for qualifying projects.

“Our Government is committed to supporting projects and businesses that divert waste from landfill, reduce stockpiling and create jobs.”

“We are growing this industry in Queensland, and we’ve been very pleased with the very strong response our Government has received so far, which demonstrates the interest and capacity for the development of this industry.”

Mr Dick said research indicates that for every 10,000 tonnes of waste recycled, more than nine jobs would be supported whereas less than three jobs are supported if it went to landfill.

“Round Two will open on 22 August 2019 with expressions of interest for this round accepted until 20 September 2019, and I encourage all participants in this innovative industry to apply.”

Mr Dick said funding for another three projects had recently been approved under the first funding round, bringing the total investment to date to $6.66 million for nine projects across Queensland.

“These nine projects alone will see 288,741 tonnes of waste per annum diverted from landfill, and more than 50 new jobs created.

“One of these projects is Stanley Asphalt at Brendale—a roads construction company that will receive $2 million toward development of a new $18.9 million asphalt recycling facility at Tivoli. “The facility incorporates cutting-edge technology which enables 100 percent of old road surfaces to be recycled into fresh asphalt and will support 16 new jobs.”

Other recently funded projects included:

• Impact Washing—$253,000 toward a $1.05 million expansion of their Stapylton facility that will enable an increased volume of high-density polyethylene plastics such as milk bottles and ice cream tubs to be reprocessed into clean flake product for commercial and industrial use—divert 3,732 tonnes per annum of waste from landfill and create seven new jobs
• Cleanaway—$155,930 toward a $334,784 upgrade of the company’s Hervey Bay materials recovery facility that will boost the recovery of recyclables from kerbside collections, divert 1,274 tonnes per annum and deliver two new jobs.

Stanley Asphalt Managing Director Henry Stanley said it was exciting for the company to be working with the Palaszczuk Government on a joint investment which would bring world-leading recycling technology to Queensland.

“Technology like this is common in Europe and with more than 180,000 kms of roads across Queensland—most of which can be recycled—there’s great opportunity for the technology to be used here.

“Once the plant is operational, this new technology will deliver environmental and production efficiencies and benefits, including energy savings, reduced emissions and production costs that can be passed onto the clients we build roads for, such as regional councils.”

“This grant is also a vital step in the right direction to creating a truly circular economy and reducing emissions from road construction.”

Minister Dick said the government’s support for industry development was an investment in starting Queensland’s journey towards a zero-waste future.

“The RRIDP is a key action of the Queensland Resource Recovery Industries 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan,” he said.

“Following extensive consultation with industry and the community, I’m also pleased to release today the final Roadmap and Action Plan, to guide and accelerate our Resource Recovery industry over the next decade.

“This plan will create new jobs, promote industrial development and improve our environment.

“It sets out actions for the next 10 years to ensure we, as a state, are diverting more waste away from landfill, creating new jobs in resource recovery industries and building a stronger and more sustainable economy."

To view the Resource Recovery Industries 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, visit http://dsdmip.qld.gov.au/resourcerecovery

Further information about program eligibility and how to submit an expression of interest can be found at Resource Recovery Industry Development Program.

ENDS

Media contact: Lesley Major 0419 288 284