Yarra Ranges Council has joined 14 other councils in Melbourne’s south east to form a company to deliver an advanced waste processing alternative to landfill.
This type of company is called a special purpose vehicle (SPV) and is common in projects where there are many organisations working together.
The SPV—called South East Metropolitan Advanced Waste Processing Pty Ltd—will help councils deliver an advanced waste processing facility that will process household rubbish instead of burying it in landfill.
“By signing up to the SPV we are strengthening our ability to secure the economic, environmental, and social benefits from the facility,” Yarra Ranges Mayor Fiona McAllister said.
“The SPV has its own legal identity and will enter into a contract for advanced waste processing on behalf of participating councils.”
Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group (MWRRG) is facilitating the procurement of advanced waste processing for councils.
“Councils coming together to form a SPV is a major milestone in what is the biggest tender for new waste management infrastructure ever undertaken by councils in Melbourne,” MWRRG CEO Jill Riseley said.
“The new facilities are expected to attract multi-million-dollar investment and create up to 400 temporary jobs during construction and up to 100 permanent operating jobs.
“Advanced waste processing facilities are being used safely and reliably around the world, including in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and North America.”
Advanced waste processing facilities are regulated by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA). Any facility will need to be appropriately located, constructed and operated according to strict regulations that minimise risks to the environment and people.
Cr McAllister said advanced waste processing solutions would play a significant role in achieving the State Government’s new target to divert 80% of household rubbish from landfill by 2030.
“Yarra Ranges Council is excited to be part of this historic tender process,” she said.
“Advanced waste processing will do more with the resources that are being put in landfill and achieve better financial, environmental and social outcomes.
“This facility will provide a great solution for household rubbish that would normally go to landfill, complementing the continuation of kerbside recycling and green and food waste collection services as part of our total approach to managing waste.”
