WASTE MANAGEMENT

Ms THOMPSON (Reynell) (14:31): My question is to the Minister for Environment and Conservation. How is the South Australian government assisting in the management of waste and helping to encourage recycling within the state?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water) (14:31): I thank the honourable member for Reynell for her question. Improving—

Ms Chapman: Have you been recycled?

The Hon. P. CAICA: You've been recycled through that entire side, haven't you? You have been! Improving waste management, in particular, improving recycling, is a key priority for the South Australian government. We know that in order to foster a greater level of recycling in our state, we need to make it easier for people to do so. It is critical that we ensure that the appropriate infrastructure is in place to assist individuals and businesses to recycle more. I am very pleased to advise members that, to date, 19 regional recycling projects have received $1.7million in funding under Zero Waste SA's regional implementation program.

These regional projects are spread across five local government regions: Murray and Mallee, Eyre Peninsula, Southern Hills, South-East and the Central region. Most of this project funding has been directed to new or improved transfer stations and recycling facilities in rural areas of the state. We know there are challenges being faced in those regions with respect to that type of infrastructure, so it is money well directed.

Further to this, today I am very pleased to announce a further $1.34 million has been awarded to six applicants under the Zero Waste SA Metropolitan Infrastructure Grants Program. This funding will build on our state's reputation as a leader in recycling and resource recovery. This infrastructure program provides valuable assistance to industry and is aimed at increasing South Australia's capacity to locally reprocess recycled material into high value, end use products. This grants program also further invests in infrastructure that enables greater use of waste materials. I was very pleased to be accompanied by the Leader at a recycling depot—where I think I contributed more cans and bottles than you did, but still, as a collective, we played our part in that particular recycling process.

Successful applicants in this grants program—and I know that people in the chamber will be extremely interested in this—include Solo Resource Recovery in North Plympton, which is receiving $300,000 for a major expansion and upgrade of facilities at the Adelaide Waste Recycling Centre. This upgrade involves improving access to the site for a range of resources, including electronic waste, hazardous waste, mixed dry recyclables and organics. The project also includes construction of a large, permanently covered area for organics, including food waste.

Another successful recipient is Adelaide Woodfibre in Port Adelaide. The company is receiving $230,000 for the reprocessing of masonite sheets into briquette logs, which are suitable for combustion heaters and open fireplaces. Currently, 12,000 tonnes of masonite is stockpiled for processing and 3,000 tonnes is expected to be processed each year. Up to 10 new jobs are created as a result of this particular project.

Propak Industries at Thebarton is receiving $199,000 for an innovative project to expand the range of a polystyrene-replacement product called 'Bio-Fill'. This is a biodegradable product which breaks down in compost or in water. It replaces polystyrene, which is problematic for householders to recycle, in that it cannot be put into kerbside recycling bins and it is often bulky and takes up space in a waste bin.

The Jeffries group at Buckland Park is receiving $55,000 for an extra sorting element for the recycled organic screening system plant at the Jeffries' Buckland Park site. Peats Soils and Composting in Willunga is receiving $300,000 for high-efficiency grinding equipment to increase the quality of organics from kerbside collections. Lucas Waste Management at McLaren Vale is receiving $250,000 for the construction of an undercover resource recovery facility dedicated to processing household, business, construction and demolition waste.

Funding under both programs has stimulated further investment from recipients who have contributed an extra $6.86 million towards these projects. These grants are stimulating investment in the green economy as businesses continue to develop markets for new and improved products and increase the effectiveness of their production processes. These programs reflect the government's commitment to continuing to work in partnership with industry and businesses to reduce waste and improve waste management in this state.