Australian Recycled Plastics will be able to expand the processing capacity at its Narrabri facility thanks to more than $2 million in joint funding from the Australian and NSW governments.
The expansion project is one of 22 NSW projects to be funded in a statewide infrastructure rollout, announced by federal Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley, that will increase the state’s recycling capacity by 120,000 tonnes a year.
“This is about easing pressure on our environment and taking responsibility for our waste by recycling more materials, creating more jobs and driving economic investment,” Ms Ley said.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said under the Recycling Modernisation Fund the federal Coalition government is investing $1,090,000 for the Narrabri plastic reprocessing capacity expansion.
“I am delighted to announce that Australian Recycled Plastics in Narrabri will be playing its part in transforming our nation’s recycling capacity,” Mr Coulton said.
“Australian Recycled Plastics is one of the few facilities that processes polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics in the country, with material coming from near and far.
“Narrabri is leading the way in this industry, and this expansion will allow the facility to reach its full potential.
“Australian Recycled Plastics is strategically placed to take advantage of Narrabri’s gas industry and the Inland Rail project.”
The facility’s co-owner, Dale Smith, said the funding will be used to upgrade the existing wash plant to be able to fully utilise its processing equipment.
“That should take our yearly processing from 6000 tonnes a year to 9300 tonnes per annum,” Mr Smith said.
“It will also increase our ability to use lower-grade material from all over the east coast of Australia.
“It will certainly help us get the facility to where we want it to be over the next five years and secures our position in the post-recycling industry.”
The total project cost is $4,284,500, with the Australian and NSW government’s co-investing $2,090,000, while industry has contributed a further $2,194,500.
The Australian government is investing $190 million in the Recycling Modernisation Fund, which together with state and industry investment, will generate more than $600 million in recycling
infrastructure.
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