MACKAY LEADS THE WAY IN GROUNDBREAKING RECYCLING TRIAL

More than 200 tonnes of rubbish a year is expected to be salvaged through a new national trial targeting shopping centre recycling launched in Mackay today.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr launched the trial at the Caneland Central Shopping Centre, which is one of five shopping centres around Australia taking part in the program.

The project is funded under the National Packaging Covenant of which the Queensland Government has contributed $51,000, and its goal to improve recycling rates.

Ms Nelson-Carr said current recycling rates in the state were at 48 per cent however under the Covenant she was hopeful that figure would increase to the national recycling target of 65 per cent by 2010.

“Queenslanders have responded to the challenge with kerbside recycling. We believe it needs to be more far reaching so we are giving consumers the opportunity to place their rubbish in recycling bins at these shopping centres.

“Based on shopping centre audits, potential recyclables from public places and food courts could be up to 40 tonnes per centre per year, recovering 4 million pieces of packaging.

“Queensland has already undertaken significant work in recycling in parks and gardens, central business districts and at public venues.

“We’re hoping that shoppers will lead the way in their recycling habits to ensure that these trials are successful and are replicated on a much wider scale across the state and Australia.”

The Queensland Government is a partner in the trial with the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s Packaging Stewardship Forum, the Victorian Government and with support from shopping centre managers, Lend Lease Retail and GPT.

Other Queensland shopping centres involved in this groundbreaking project include Sunshine Plaza at Maroochydore and the Cairns Central Shopping Centre.

Media contact: Karla Steen on 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti on 3336 8002