Downer plant to deliver more recycled materials in Tasmanian roads

The Tasmanian Government is expanding the use of recycled materials for roads around the state as a commitment to waste reduction in Tasmania.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson said Tasmania has been using recycled rubber from truck tyres in road resurfacing on several resurfacing sites in the north of the state, including on the Bass, East Tamar and West Tamar highways.

“We know that about 1.3 million tyres reach the end of their life each year in Tasmania, most of which ends up in landfill or stockpiles. Some of these tyres are now being processed into crumb rubber and blended with bitumen for use as asphalt in the state road maintenance program,” Ferguson said.

“We are seeing more recycled materials being used in road resurfacing and it was exciting to see construction well and truly underway at Downer’s $10.5 million asphalt manufacturing facility in northern Tasmania.”

Ferguson said construction of the asphalt plant has reached a critical point, with all establishment work complete and the main components being assembled. The components, weighing a combined 356 tonnes, were transported to the Mowbray construction site over two days thanks to 40 truckloads.

“It’s great to see this project well and truly coming to life. It’s a solid commitment from an ASX Top 100 company to a long-term future in Tasmania which is wonderful for our state,” Ferguson said.

Since 2018 Downer has laid 11,079 tonnes of Reconophalt in Tasmania resulting in diversion from landfill of 9,503,000 plastic bag equivalents; toner from 277,300 toner cartridges; 2,652,000 RAP (recycled roads) used; 1108t of recycled asphalt paving material and10.74 tonne of CO2e carbon saved.

Ferguson said the government would continue to work with industry to look for further opportunities to use sustainable products on Tasmanian roads.”

The new plant is on track to be commissioned in April 2023.

For more information, visit: www.premier.tas.gov.au