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New $16m deal signed to boost recycling modernisation

Tom McIlroy
Tom McIlroyPolitical correspondent

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Tasmania's recycling industry is set for a $16 million boost under a deal between industry and the federal and state governments, Environment Minister Sussan Ley has announced.

The production of high-quality recycled materials will be supported under the plan funded by the Morrison government's $190 million Recycling Modernisation Fund, in a national partnership agreement signed with Tasmanian Environment and Parks Minister Roger Jaensch.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley said industry will be required to make new products from recycled waste. Alex Ellinghausen

Industry will contribute $5.5 million to further develop plastics recycling in the state as part of the agreement.

“Investing in the latest recycling technology just makes sense as Australia moves towards becoming a circular economy in which we shift the focus from ‘take, make, use and dispose’ to a more circular approach where we maintain the value of resources for as long as possible,” Ms Ley said.

“The Australian government is investing in infrastructure to drive a $1 billion transformation of our waste and recycling capability.”

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Ms Ley this week announced plans for a major 2021 push to drive down waste from building and demolition projects, as well as encouraging Australians to throw away fewer textiles.

Mr Jaensch described Friday's deal as offering a major boost to Tasmania's resource recovery industry. More than $5 million in new grants will be provided under the plan, with applications set to open before Christmas.

“This will leverage additional matching investment from businesses with new ideas and technologies that can turn waste into resources and new products, adding value and creating jobs in Tasmania,” Mr Jaensch said.

Federal Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management Trevor Evans said the plan would provide recycled materials to be manufactured into new products.

“Tasmanians need to know that their waste is a valuable product, not a problem that needs to be solved or put into the ground,” Mr Evans said.

Tom McIlroy is the Financial Review's political correspondent, reporting from the federal press gallery at Parliament House. Connect with Tom on Twitter. Email Tom at thomas.mcilroy@afr.com

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