Queensland and Visy working together for a cleaner future

A major $48 million upgrade to Visy’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on Gibson Island will soon get underway, thanks to investment by the Palaszczuk Government.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the government would invest $16 million in the project from the flagship Queensland Jobs Fund.

“We made a pledge to the people of Queensland before the last election to provide this funding towards a cleaner future, and we are living up to that commitment,” Mr Miles said.

“Upgrading the facility will not only create local jobs but also increase recycling capacity to significantly reduce landfill.

“The works include a new state-of-the-art paper optical sorting plant that will be able to turn mixed paper, picked up in kerbside collections, into 100 per cent recycled paper, reducing landfill waste.

“The upgrades to the Gibson Island facility will create 11 jobs, which is a fantastic result for locals.”

Member for Bulimba Di Farmer said the Palaszczuk Government was investing in expanding manufacturing in Queensland.

“This investment will see the installation of state-of-the-art recycling technology at Visy's Gibson Island site in Murarrie,” Ms Farmer said.

“We’re supporting jobs and the environment by improving recycling capabilities. It’s a win-win project.”

The Queensland Government is proud to partner with Visy, which is investing $700 million on expanding its recycling and remanufacturing operations across Queensland.

Visy’s investment also includes a new $500 million glass food and beverage container recycling and manufacturing facility in Yatala, and a new $150 million corrugated box factory at Hemmant.

Visy Executive Chairman Anthony Pratt said the company was committed to creating thousands of new green collar, well-paying Australian manufacturing jobs.

“This is the largest investment Visy has ever made in Queensland and is part of my pledge to invest $2 billion in Australia over the decade,” Mr Pratt said.

“This $700 million investment confirms the Government’s economic plan to grow the State’s economy and create advanced manufacturing jobs is working.

“The upgrade to our facility at Gibson Island will see an additional up to 30,000 tonnes of material diverted from landfill each year.

“Visy currently recycles over 250,000 tonnes of material from kerbside collections a year and is proud to service the majority of South East Queensland’s recycling needs.

“Recycling is an important weapon against climate change and the Queensland Government is to be congratulated for its support for practical environmental measures, like recycling, that all Queenslanders can participate in.”

Delivering this project aligns with the Queensland Government’s Resource Recovery Industries 10-year Roadmap and Action Plan.

For more information: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/priority-industries/resource-recovery

ENDS

Media contact:           Amy Hunter 0423 651 484