Manison: recycling initiative ‘a benefit for all Territorians’

More than 5700 tonnes of waste will be diverted from the Territory’s landfill as part of the co-investment.

A Federal and Territory government co-investment of $1.24 million to improve the Territory’s recycling capacity will divert an estimated 5700 tonnes of waste from the Northern Territory landfill each year.

Federal MP Luke Gosling, NT Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Mansion and City of Darwin CEO Simone Saunders made the announcement on Friday at the Shoal Bay Waste Facility.

The investment includes funding for four new projects across the Territory, including in the remote communities of Lajamanu, Laramba and Engawala.

The upgraded facilities will process waste and turn them into valuable new commodities such as irrigation pipe and rigid plastic produce bins.

Mr Gosling said the fund “is a win-win” for the Territory’s economy.

“Our environment is our lifeline, and its health will determine our future,” he said.

“Our economies, our food production, our enjoyment of everyday life – all of this is dependent on what we do now.

“There’s nothing square about the circular economy and this investment is a win-win, keeping 5700 tonnes out of landfill each year while contributing to innovation, growth and job creation in the Northern Territory.”

The investment, expected to support 12 ongoing jobs and 14 constructions jobs, was commended by Ms Manison as “benefiting all Territorians”.

“We want to stop valuable material becoming landfill and instead reuse, recycle and remanufacture where it can be done,” she said.

“By working closely with industry and the Australian Government, the Territory government is improving environmental outcomes and creating more green jobs by realising economic opportunities of a circular economy for the benefit of all Territorians.

“Supporting resource recovery initiatives like this create local jobs and new industries right across the Territory, all while benefiting the environment.”

The co-investment is part of the Albanese Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund – an initiative to accelerate the nation’s economy toward repurposing material.

Territory businesses can apply for a Circular Economy NT (CENT) Grant at nt.gov.au/CENT