Victorian infrastructure projects that use recycled materials and create local jobs are being boosted by $2.6 million in Sustainable Infrastructure Fund grants.

Local Victorian governments are expected to spend more than $8 billion on infrastructure projects over the next three years, presenting a significant opportunity to increase their use of recycled materials.

Sustainability Victoria has launched a new funding program on behalf of the Victorian Government. The new Sustainable Infrastructure Fund will increase the use of priority recycled materials – glass, paper, cardboard, plastics and rubber – in infrastructure projects.

Up to $2.6 million in funding is now available to local councils and alpine resort management boards, who will be able to apply for up to $300,000 per grant.

The Sustainable Infrastructure Fund supports the Victorian Government’s circular economy policy and 10-year action plan, Recycling Victoria, which will invest more than $300 million to:

• transform the state’s recycling sector;
• reduce waste;
• create thousands of jobs; and
• set Victoria up for a more sustainable future.

Local Victorian governments will spend more than an estimated $8 billion on infrastructure projects over the next three years, presenting a significant opportunity to increase their use of recycled materials.

The fund is part of the $35 million Recycling Industry Reform Package and aligns with the Victorian Government’s response to current issues in the recycling sector.

The fund builds on the government’s investment in the development of recycled products through the Research, Development and Demonstration program. Grant applications for this round of funding close at 3 pm on October 8th, 2020. This is the first of three funding rounds. Round two is planned for an October release and round three in January 2021.