The Andrews Labor government is giving innovators $4.4 million to create everyday products from reusable waste, while getting those ideas out of the lab and into the market with a new round of recycling infrastructure grants.
Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, announced 19 projects that will share in $2.6 million to support innovative use of recycled materials in infrastructure projects delivered by local councils and alpine resort management boards.
Together, these projects will support 338 new jobs and use approximately 2000 tonnes of recycled materials, including glass, plastic and rubber, to create roads, footpaths, outdoor park furniture, drainage and pavements.
Among the successful councils is the City of Darebin, who has secured $300,000 to upgrade the KP Hardiman Hockey Field using recycled material. The upgrade is set to complete by July 2021.
As part of the redevelopment, recycled glass will be used in new concrete pathways, recycled plastic will become asphalt, and outdoor furniture and shockpads installed under artificial turf will be made from rubber tyres.
“We’re backing groundbreaking research and development so our waste can be turned into something valuable,” says Robin Scott, Member for Preston.
“This hockey field will see local athletes score goals. All while there is recycled material underfoot,” adds Collin Brooks, Member for Bundoora.
The Labor government will further increase the use of recycled materials across the economy by supporting innovation and product development with the launch of the $1.8 million Research and Development Fund.
“We’re reshaping our waste and recycling industry, driving job creation and putting valuable materials back into the economy,” says D’Ambrosio.
“Projects like this give old tyres and old materials a new life. This kind of innovation creates endless business opportunities and jobs."
Grants of between $75,000 and $300,000 are available to support research institutes and industry to develop new products made from recycled materials, including plastic, paper, cardboard, glass and tyres.
