The Federal Government is calling on “suitably experienced and skilled entities” to submit a partnering proposal to establish the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence.
The Federal Government will provide the successful partner seed funding of up to $1 million over three years from 2020–21 to 2022–23 to establish the centre, subject to the partner meeting grant requirements.
Establishing the Centre of Excellence is one of 26 recommendations outlined in the Federal Government’s Product Stewardship Act 2011 review, which was released 9 July.
According to a Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) statement, the successful partner will develop an ongoing collaborative relationship with the department to achieve the objectives of the centre.
This includes accelerating the development of new industry-led product stewardship schemes and improving recycling rates of existing product stewardship schemes.
Additionally, the centre will work to raise awareness and educate industries and businesses about the benefits of product stewardship, and develop best practice guidance – including information and tools – for product stewardship schemes.
In responding to the partnership call, DAWE has asked potential partners to provide details of proposed projects to deliver the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence, and demonstrate value for money and suitability as the preferred partner.
“The Centre of Excellence will drive efficiencies, collaboration and best practice across product stewardship schemes in Australia,” the DAWE statment reads.
“It will contribute to achieving Target 3 of the 2019 National Waste Policy Action Plan: increasing Australia’s resource recovery rate to 80 per cent by 2030.”
The grant forms part of the National Product Stewardship Investment Fund, which was launched last week and seeks to ensure manufacturers, retailers and industry groups take greater responsibility for the entire lifecycle of the products they produce and sell.
Assistant Waste Reduction and Environmental Management Minister Trevor Evans will make the final decision on the successful partner.
Applications close 4 August.
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- NWRIC calls for national battery recycling program by end of 2020
- Time to get Australia’s product stewardship back on track