Boost for Queensland recycling and jobs

• First three projects funded through the Federal and State governments’ $40 million Queensland Recycling Modernisation Fund
• The three projects will divert PVC materials, plastics, polystyrene and glass into new products
• Over 150,000 tonnes of waste will be diverted from Queensland landfill every year, under the entire program

The Federal and Queensland Labor Governments have announced the first three projects to be funded under the $40 million Queensland Recycling Modernisation Fund (QRMF).

QRMF supports new projects diverting waste plastics, glass, paper and cardboard and tyres to manufacture into new commercial products.

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon and Federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett announced the new fund today at Vinidex in Coopers Plains.

Vinidex has received $652,525 for equipment to increase capacity to shred, wash and micronise waste PVC materials for remanufacture into new products.

Other newly funded projects which can be announced today include:

• Ability Enterprises, Wilsonton – $513,306 for a plastics recycling project to operate in South West Queensland.
• Casafico, Morayfield – $175,000 for a manufacturing plant as well as a mobile plant that will process plastics, polystyrene and glass in into premium products for the building and construction industry.

More successful projects will be announced soon.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment Tanya Plibersek:

“The Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund is turbocharging Australia’s circular economy so that when a product is no longer useful for its initial purpose, it is either reused, recycled or remanufactured.

“To power Queensland’s circular economy, we need cutting edge waste management and recycling facilities.

“That’s why the Federal and Queensland Labor governments are co-investing $40 million to create new or expanded facilities, employ Queenslanders and increasing manufacturing using recycled materials.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles:

“Once operational, these new projects are expected to create a total of more than 300 good, new recycling industry jobs.

“Investing in resource recovery projects like this is supporting the creation of a new industry and supply chains in Queensland, building a more sustainable economy and creating new jobs.

“These projects are a perfect example of our move towards a circular economy, where as much valuable material as possible is diverted from landfill through reuse, recycling and remanufacturing.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for the Environment Meaghan Scanlon

“More than 150,000 tonnes of waste will be kept out of landfill annually through the Queensland Recycling Modernisation Fund and channelled into increasing the amount of recycled content in manufacturing thanks to these projects.

“By supporting re-using, recycling and remanufacturing here in Queensland, it’ll help achieve our goal to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill and hit 65 per cent recycling by 2030.

“We want to stop as much waste as possible from ending up landfill, and in turn increase recycling, create new products and drive down the impact we have on the environment. These new projects certainly tick these boxes.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett:

“Vinidex is a leader in Australian manufacturing and the supply of advanced pipe systems and solutions.

“The new equipment, funded by the QRMF, will enable Vinidex to divert 1,000 tonnes of PVC waste away from landfill each year.

“These pipes possess long-lasting properties and are easily recyclable, making them cost-efficient and sustainable.

Quotes attributable to Vinidex CEO David Bird:

“Vinidex has a strong commitment to increasing recycling and reducing carbon footprint.

“Closing the loop by quadrupling the use of using recycled waste materials is an important pillar of our 2025 sustainability vision.

“This grant for processing equipment will enhance our ability to reuse PVC materials which would otherwise go to landfill and will ensure that the quality of the final product allows the long service life that our customers want.”

Background information:

The program will fund projects across Queensland including Far North Queensland, Rockhampton, Moreton Bay Region, Toowoomba Region, Brisbane and Logan City and aims to divert waste from landfill and create new products.

The QRMF is a joint initiative of the Australian and Queensland Governments with a combined investment of $40 million. Queensland industries involved in the initiative contribute at least half of project costs, delivering in excess of $80 million in new investment for Queensland.

QRMF is helping to deliver on actions in the Queensland Resource Recovery Industries 10-year Roadmap and Action Plan.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078