RECYCLING

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:40): My question is to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation. What is the government doing to raise awareness and encourage recycling in South Australia?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:41): I thank the honourable member for her very, very important question. I am pleased to inform members that the state government, through Zero Waste SA, is working hard to maximise the involvement of the community in recycling and reuse projects. The state government and Zero Waste SA are also continuing to improve our state's capacity to recover resources through further investment in waste infrastructure in our regional communities, with 14 new projects totalling $1.45 million to be funded.

The majority of this funding will be to upgrade or establish new transfer stations, which play a critical role in diverting waste from landfills and recovering materials. This funding is stimulating further investments in regional waste management, with grant recipients contributing $5.3 million towards these projects. The government is also making $120,000 in funding available under its School and Community Grants program for reuse and recycling projects across our state.

This funding recognises the important role of schools and community groups in raising awareness at the grassroots level about the environmental and social impacts of our activities. Eligible projects include those which need infrastructure such as compost bins, recycling sheds, garden mulches and worm farms, as well as resources for education and communication.

This is a very popular program which has supported and inspired more than 100 schools and community organisations since 2005, with total funding of approximately $650,000. In one project Zero Waste SA supported Finding Workable Solutions, a disability employment agency that operates businesses within the community to provide employment for people with a disability or a disadvantage.

Funding was provided to the organisation to help establish two resource recovery facilities at the Goolwa Refuse and Recycle Depot and the Mount Barker Windmill Hill Transfer Station. These centres salvage and sell household items, metals, electronic items, plastic items and household whitegoods.

This project has helped to reduce waste to landfill as well as creating employment opportunities. In another project, the Upper Sturt Primary School received funding to build a chicken run and vegetable garden and to purchase compost bins and a garden shredder. This infrastructure has allowed the school to reduce the amount of food and green waste sent to landfill and has increased students' learning about waste and resource recovery.

I encourage school and community groups to apply for funding under this particular program. These initiatives are indicative of the state government's commitment to maintaining our national membership in the area of recycling and resource efficiency and to shape our future as a sustainable, clean, green and vibrant city.