The Victorian Government has announced a “game-changing” investment in regional recycling infrastructure.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio today opened round one of the $40.9 million Regional Recycling Fund she says will strengthen the state’s regional recycling network.
From today, grants of up to $500,000 are available to upgrade regionally significant resource recovery centres for recyclable materials including cardboard, plastic, paper, glass and mixed recyclables.
The $10 million available for round one of the program can also be used to fund infrastructure investment that will help smaller facilities operate at a larger scale, the Minister said.
“We’re making a significant investment in the state’s recycling system by creating industries that have a positive impact on climate change through reducing landfill.”
“These regional facilities are the building blocks for a robust recycling network that will drive current and future material recovery in regional Victoria, supporting the creation of regional circular economies and jobs,” said Ms D’Ambrosio.
The Minister said future funding will support further upgrades and new regional material recovery facilities and will be informed by the development of Regional Circular Economy Plans. These plans will bring together regional councils and identify local recycling opportunities that optimise Victoria’s resource recovery and transfer station network, she said.
Local councils and private operators are invited to apply. Private operators will be asked to contribute $3 for every $1 received through the program.
“We continue to support households, workers and businesses through this pandemic with major budget investments like the Regional Recycling Fund, which will provide an immediate and ongoing boost to regional jobs,” said Minister for Regional Development, Mary-Anne Thomas.
Applications for round one of the Regional Recycling Fund are open until 4pm on 9 March 2022. More information is available at www.vic.gov.au/regional-recycling-fund.
