Waste Management Grants

In reply to Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (25 September 2018). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Minister for Environment and Water): I have been advised:

As shown in the 2018-19 Budget Measures Statement, Green Industries SA's savings targets over the forward estimates are $350,000 in 2018-19, $350,000 in 2019-20, $380,000 in 2020-21 and $390,000 in 2021-22. The savings will not have a significant impact on the effectiveness of Green Industries SA's programs.

The savings in 2018-19 are being met by reductions in the Innovative Solutions and Problematic Wastes ($220,000) and Recycling Infrastructure Grants programs ($130,000). The balance of funding for these programs over the forwards estimates is shown in the table below:

The reduction to the Recycling Infrastructure Grants Program budget will not materially affect the total funding available to industry and local government. Green Industries SA is able to reduce operating expenditure for the Innovative Solutions for Problematic Wastes Program while continuing to maintain an advocacy role in this area as much of the work relates to policy and strategy development, including at a national level.

Green Industries SA has strong partnerships with local government and industry and regularly consults with them on a range of matters. The Agency has formalised relationships with the Local Government Association of SA (LGA) and SA Branch of the Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) via annual service level agreements. The LGA and WMAA are also represented on key working groups lead by the Agency; including the SA China National Policy Working Group and sub-groups focused on procurement and education.