Funding for recycling supports regional jobs

The Palaszczuk Government has announced 34 successful recipients who will receive up to $250,000 each from the Regional Recycling Transport Assistance Package (RRTAP).

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch, said the funding would help regional Queenslanders be part of the State’s war on waste and help to create long-term sustainable jobs.

“This is a win for our environment and a boost for regional employment, which is an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s recovery plan: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs,” Minister Enoch said. 

“There are unique challenges when recycling and re-using waste in Queensland’s regional communities and this package will assist with the cost of accessing recycling services.

“This funding provides the support needed for organisations in regional Queensland to divert more resources from landfill and recycle more,” Ms Enoch said.

Last year, the Palaszczuk Government announced this $6 million package to help councils, businesses and charities with the cost of transferring recyclables.

“This funding program is another way that our government is supporting regional Queensland and creating jobs,” Ms Enoch said.

“There are three times as many jobs in recycling as there are in landfill, so every initiative that helps to increase recycling is supporting more employment."

A variety of businesses, charities and local councils from Tambo to Townsville, Mareeba to Mackay are among the recipients.

Darryl Barber, Executive General Manager of the Endeavour Foundation’s Work portfolio, said the grant was fantastic news for the charity’s recycling operations in regional Queensland.

“It will help Endeavour Foundation ensure the ongoing employment of 185 regional Queenslanders through our document destruction and recycling programs, more than 90% of whom have an intellectual disability,” Mr Barber said.

“Through this grant we will be able to divert 2,980 tonnes of recyclable materials from landfill in regional towns including Townsville, Warwick, Rockhampton, Cairns and Gladstone.

“As the largest operator of waste transfer stations in Queensland, Endeavour Foundation is committed to doing our bit for the environment and specific activities supported by the grant include paper, cardboard, e-waste and sawdust recycling.

“We’re constantly looking to find new and innovative ways to reduce waste in Queensland and this grant ensures we can do that while continuing to provide meaningful employment to people with a disability in regional towns.”

The full list of funding recipients can be found at: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/management/waste/recovery/funding-grants

ENDS

Media Contact:          Bridget Druery 0435 221 246