In line with National Recycling Week, government officials visited Australian Recycled Plastics (ARP) on Yarrie Lake Road to make a funding announcement on Monday.
Federal Environment Minister, Sussan Ley, and federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, officially opened a grant scheme that aims to boost the recycling capacity of rural and regional areas.
Organisations like ARP are now able to apply for support, with funding ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, for their regional recycling projects.
ARP’s operations manager, Terrence Duncan, and co-owner, Dale Smith, welcomed the member and minister with a walk-through of the factory.
During the tour, Mr Duncan and Mr Smith explained how the organisation operates, as well as some background on how ARP evolved into the industry leader it is today.
“It’s important for us to keep the recycling process in Australia,” Mr Duncan explained.
“Some companies prefer to export, but ARP is proud to be supporting our local and national economy.
“We employ around 25 staff members in the Narrabri Shire, and believe this government investment in the industry will result in even more jobs in the recycling sector.”
Mr Smith agreed, explaining that the mixed plastic export ban – which will come into effect on July 1, 2022 – will also bring more jobs and opportunities to the Australian market.
“With government funding from this new program, regional NSW will have the support it needs to lead the national recycling revolution,” he said.
“ARP alone processes 2.5 million bottles every day, so there’s plenty of work to be done and we’re pleased to see this injection into the recycling sector.”
Ms Ley and Mr Coulton found that the Narrabri factory was the best place to make the announcement, because they believe the local establishment will play a major role in Australia’s recycling transformation.
The plant is currently one of only a select few recycling facilities in Australia that can simultaneously sort HDPE, PET and coloured plastic – there’s hope the niche will expand further as a result of the new funding program.
Mr Coulton said that ARP is a success story for the region and an important reminder of the contribution rural Australia can make.
“Not only is ARP helping the environment with their efforts, but it’s also a great local employer,” he said.
“We hope this new funding program will help the organisation make Narrabri an even more significant player in the industry.”
It was the member’s second visit to ARP this year, after the plant was awarded more than $2 million in joint funding from the Australian and NSW governments.
“ARP takes materials, from our kerbside recycling bins, and produces PET flake and HDPE flake which can be used in many other industries,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Morrison government understands the important role that regional and rural Australia plays in looking after the environment and the economy.
“There are, at the same time, some unique recycling challenges in regional areas and it is important that they are recognised.
“It is great to see the Minister for the Environment in our region to discuss these opportunities with the community.”
Ms Ley echoed Mr Coulton’s remarks, saying she was excited to see ARP’s operations in-person.
“This is an important example of the innovation that comes from regional communities,” she said.
“A key focus of the government is ensuring that we address the imbalance in many regional and remote communities when it comes to recycling opportunities.
“That’s why we’re announcing the opening of this new grants program today. Regional communities have a big role to play, but we also recognise the unique recycling challenges for many areas.”
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