Victorian community groups have been given a boost to creatively tackle waste and create new jobs, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for the Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio today announced funding of more than $3 million will be shared by 39 organisations through the Circular Economy Communities Fund.
The Labor Government’s Circular Economy Communities Fund will keep approximately 3,000 tonnes of waste out of landfill, with 60,000 volunteers taking part and creating 100 paid jobs.
Funded projects include bicycle recycling and, repair, reuse and recycling and re-purposing of recreational fishing gear, a soap re-purposing project, and several innovative food rescue and community garden programs.
Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre will create a local micro-industry for the many watersports and camping enthusiasts who live on and regularly visit the Island, creating a repair facility for items like tents, caravan annexes, yacht sails and surfboard covers to encourage people to repair rather than replace them.
Enable Social Enterprises will expand their e-repair service that helps people from disadvantaged backgrounds access affordable servicing for computers, mobile phones and other technology, while giving young people employment pathways into IT and technology jobs.
Reground will expand their coffee collection service to businesses producing coffee waste across Victoria, engaging 130 businesses, recovering 270 tonnes of coffee waste to 260 end users, providing over 200,000 people with a sustainable choice when it comes to coffee.
Soap Aid Ltd will re-establish a soap repurposing centre in Melbourne to divert around 30 tonnes of soap and repurpose into soap bars that will be distributed via community organisations out to approximately 20,000 vulnerable Victorians across the state.
The Circular Economy Communities Fund is delivered through the Government’s circular economy plan, and will contribute to transitioning Victoria to a circular climate resilient economy. Overall, more than $5.4 million has been awarded to 62 organisations over two years.
The Labor Government has invested over $515 million to deliver the biggest ever transformation and reform of Victoria’s waste and recycling industry.
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As stated by Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re funding creative, local solutions to keep waste from landfill – building community and protecting the planet.”
“Our record investment into Victoria’s waste and recycling systems is creating new industries and jobs while we give a new life to unwanted items.”
