City of Ballarat says its shovel-ready proposal for a $50 million All Waste Interchange and Materials Recovery Facility should be at the top of the Australian Government’s list for funding under the new Recycling Modernisation Fund announced today.
Ballarat Mayor Cr Ben Taylor welcomed the funding saying it is an important step in moving toward a circular economy and overcoming issues related to waste and recycling.
“Ballarat’s proposal for an All Waste Interchange (AWI) and Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) is well advanced. We have committed $5 million toward the projects – which can be delivered separately – and are seeking the balance of the funds from the Australian and Victorian Governments”, Cr Taylor said.
Once funded, the AWI and MRF, to be located at the Ballarat West Employment Zone, will help deliver a regional solution to waste management.
“The AWI and MRF will help divert an estimated 30,000 tonnes of waste per year from the current 60,000 tonnes received at the Ballarat Regional Landfill, and process 30,000 tonnes per year of kerbside recyclables from the eastern portion of the Grampians Central West region.”
The co-location of the AWI and MRF will create a regional solution, increasing Victoria’s processing capacity of kerbside recyclables, while reducing transportation costs and delivering aggregation and economies of scale.
“Delivery of these projects will create more than 260 jobs during construction and more than 60 ongoing jobs.
“The AWI and MRF have been identified as ‘flagship initiatives’ of City of Ballarat’s Circular Economy Framework (adopted by Council April 2020). These key pieces of infrastructure will help Ballarat and the wider region transition to a more circular economy.
“I thank the Australian Government for its recognition of the importance of addressing issues in this sector and look forward to working together to secure funding from the Recycling Modernisation fund so that we can deliver these projects for Ballarat and region”, Cr Taylor said.
