Media Release: LATROBE VALLEY LOOKS TO TURN WASTE INTO GOLD

FROM THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: Wednesday, July 26, 2006

LATROBE VALLEY LOOKS TO TURN WASTE INTO GOLD

A Latrobe Valley research centre will evaluate the use of recycled waste in cement production and other manufacturing processes, in a bid to divert industrial waste from landfill and conserve thousands of tonnes of valuable raw resources.

Minister for Environment John Thwaites today announced details of a $120,000 grant to support the project being run by the Australian Sustainable Industry Research Centre (ASIRC) in Churchill.

“This project will potentially be able to convert up to 50,000 tonnes of waste into a useful resource in cement making,” Mr Thwaites said.

“Recycling this waste reduces potential hazards to the environment and saves money on raw materials.”

“Other initiatives could result in replacing raw aluminium with spent catalyst from refinery operations, recycling sand used by car manufacturers and re-using iron wastes from steel manufacturers.”

Mr Thwaites commended the Australian Sustainable Industry Research Centre (ASIRC) for developing the project and the Australian Industry Group, Sims Aluminium and the Cement Industry Federation for their partnership on the innovative project.

“This technology will go a long way towards setting the benchmark for sustainable resource recovery and reducing disposal costs by creating markets for waste materials,” he said.

Member for Morwell, Brendan Jenkins, said he was delighted that such an innovative project was being established in the Valley.

“ASIRC and projects such as this will help the environment, benefit industry and potentially lead to new jobs in our region,” Mr Jenkins said.

ASIRC is one of 32 recipients to share in $8 in million funding under the second round of the Bracks Government’s Sustainability Fund, announced last week as part of the Government’s Environment Sustainability Action Statement.

Mr Thwaites said the Sustainability Fund is designed to support projects that use resources more efficiently and have economic and social benefits for local and broader communities.

As part of the Government’s plan to cut the amount of hazardous industrial waste going to landfill, hazardous waste levies are being increased from $30 per tonne to $130 per tonne. All the proceeds will go into programs and grants to help business cut waste.

For more information on the Sustainability Fund visit http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au.