A new waste management future for Norfolk Island

The Australian Government is contributing up to $3.2 million for critical recycling and waste infrastructure projects on Norfolk Island.

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the funding is a major step towards addressing the significant waste infrastructure gaps on Norfolk Island, while also helping the community to become leaders in managing their waste and recycling in an innovative and sustainable way.

“The funding of up to $3.2 million to the Norfolk Island Regional Council recognises the particular challenges of managing waste in remote locations,” Minister Plibersek said.

“Our government wants to turn these challenges into opportunities by empowering the community to reduce waste, boost recycling, introduce circularity in waste management and improve the health of Norfolk Island’s extraordinary natural environment.

“With this $3.2 million commitment, the Norfolk Island Regional Council can purchase essential infrastructure that will help recycle and reuse key waste products such as glass, metal and plastics.

“By supporting the modernisation of waste management and recycling processes on Norfolk Island, we are helping reduce marine pollution caused by waste entering our oceans and further protecting the rich and diverse ecosystem in Norfolk Island’s incredible Marine Park.”

The $3.2 million funding will enable the Norfolk Island Regional Council to purchase a range of waste and recycling equipment including a glass pulveriser, shredder, grinder, open-top containers, small-scale plastics processor, and a reuse shed.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said the Australian Government was focused on supporting regional and remote communities such as Norfolk Island through targeted infrastructure solutions.

“Geographical isolation, lack of access to major recycling and remanufacturing centres and a small population mean that communities such as Norfolk Island are often left behind when it comes to modern waste management and recycling infrastructure,” Minister McBain said.

“The new equipment will enable the recycling and reuse of materials on island, and packaging of some materials for export and processing on the mainland, making sure Norfolk Island has similar waste management options to those on the mainland.

“This funding will support Council to meet Norfolk Island community objectives for an environmentally sustainable community by directly reducing the impact of waste on the environment.”