Roger Jaensch,Minister for the Environment
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is getting on with our clear plan to increase resource recovery and grow our circular economy.
The Parliament this year passed the Waste and Resource Recovery Act 2021 that establishes a state-wide levy that will encourage the diversion of materials from landfill and drive investment in alternatives to landfill, so more materials will be recovered from waste streams and turned into new and valuable products.
This is a win for the environment and for jobs, with the levy expected to support the creation of up to 130 new full-time positions in the waste and resource recovery sector once the maximum levy rate is reached.
Our Government recognises infrastructure and systems will be needed to support the levy and that is why we are assisting councils and other operators to get ready for the changes commencing on July 1.
Grants of up to $100,000 were available for equipment, upgrades, or changes to systems to support a smooth transition to new arrangements.
Today, I am pleased to announce the following recipients of these grants:
- Cradle Coast Envirowaste Pty Ltd T/A Heybridge Landfill
- Mornington Park Waste Transfer Station
- Hobart City Council
- Flinders Council
- Central Highlands Council
- West Coast Council
- Glenorchy City Council
- Launceston City Council
- Derwent Valley Council
- Circular Head Council
- Dulverton Regional Waste Management Authority
- Devonport City Council
- Burnie City Council
- Meander Valley Council
- Jenkins Hire Pty Ltd (Plenty)
- Central Coast Council
Grant recipients will use the funding for a variety of projects, including weighbridges, compliance management, training staff and project management.
We are strengthening the future for all Tasmanians and these facilities will ensure landfill and waste transfer stations are well prepared for the introduction of the levy.
Our Government has a number of strategies to reduce waste and improve resource recovery in the state, including the development and implementation of a container refund scheme, increased organic waste processing, phasing out of single use plastics, and improved litter reporting systems.
