Queensland is set to scale up its waste recycling infrastructure with an $80 million combined investment that will scale up, transform, and grow the state’s waste and recycling industries.

The Australian and Queensland Governments will each invest $20 million in the $40 million Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF).

Queensland industries will match this funding, delivering a total of $80 million in new investment for Queensland.

The Federal Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley, said that the projects funded will help protect the environment, boost the economy, and create jobs in Queensland.

Queensland Deputy-Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the Queensland Recycling Modernisation Fund was open for applications till 7 September 2021.

“This fund will invest in projects including new high-tech equipment to sort, process and remanufacture mixed plastic, paper and cardboard, glass and tyres,” Miles said.

“We want to continue to sustainably grow the resource recovery industry through this new Fund and increase capacity to process additional waste, deliver environmental and community benefits and create new jobs, particularly in regional areas.

The Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction, Trevor Evans, said that as Queensland’s population continues to grow, there is a pressing need for modern, state-of-the-art recycling solutions, and recycling stands to become a boom industry for the state.

“This new funding means that Queensland can take advantage of the most recent technological innovations in the recycling space. The result will be that we recycle more, better protect the environment and support new jobs,” said Assistant Minister Evans.

“Our waste is a valuable product, not a problem that needs to be solved or put into landfill and forgotten.  We must use it to create jobs, spark innovation, and deliver strong environmental outcomes.”

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the fund will make an invaluable contribution towards Queensland becoming a zero-waste society while also creating jobs as part of the state’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19.

“It adds to the record $1.4 billion the Queensland Government is investing to protect our environment, reduce waste and create jobs at a time when we need them most,” Minister Scanlon said.

The $190 million Recycling Modernisation Fund investment, and associated measures to support Australia’s National Waste Policy Action Plan, will create approximately 10,000 new jobs across Australia over the next ten years.

Additionally, it will divert 10 million tonnes of waste each year which will no longer go to landfill.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at info@3.106.117.80. 

Sign up to INCLEAN’s newsletter.