13/12/00
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said Narrogin Regional Hospital has received a grant of $7,375 in the latest round of grants from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund.
The grant will go towards establishing a worm farm in the hospital grounds, enabling the hospital to recycle its organic and green waste such as kitchen scraps, lawn clippings and shredded paper.
This project will involve the construction of an enclosed brick walled shed for maximum control of flies and vermin, necessary for infection control. Worm castings will be used to fertilise the hospital grounds.
Mrs Edwardes said Narrogin Regional Hospital was one of 41 recipients of grants from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund totalling $1.02 million.
Western Australia’s Waste Management and Recycling Fund is raised from a levy on waste disposed to landfill. It is used to sponsor innovative waste reduction and recycling activities throughout the State.
“Each year almost $5 million is raised from the levy,” Mrs Edwardes said.
“Under the grants program, financial assistance is given to local communities, industry and local government organisations which have projects which will contribute towards the achievement of the State’s waste reduction targets.
“The grant is generally on a dollar-for-dollar basis and the preparedness of applicants to be equal partners in the projects demonstrates their commitment.”
Narrogin Regional Hospital believes the project offers potential to divert organic and greenwaste from landfill with the benefit producing value-added organic fertiliser.
Mrs Edwardes congratulated all successful recipients of grants in this funding round.
The total amount of grant funding under the program now totals over $6 million. An additional $2.2 million has also been allocated from the fund under the Municipal Recycling Services rebate scheme, which is a performance based incentive to local councils to reward them for their kerbside recycling collection efforts.
The Minister reminded potential applicants that these grants would be advertised more frequently in future.
“The number of funding rounds has now increased from twice yearly to six times each year,” she said.
The round that has recently been advertised will close on Friday, December 29. Inquiries for grants should be directed to the Funded Programs section of the Department of Environmental Protection on 9222 8608.
Media contact: Steve Manchee on 9421 7777
