By BEN CAMERON
Bleak Outlook changed as Officer attracts recycling facility…
WHAT was once a dashed dream earlier this year is now a reality with Officer set to have a new e-waste recycling facility up and running by December 2015.
The project in Hickson Road, which is expected to create 25 jobs for disadvantaged workers, has been funded by a $500,000 State Government grant, and will tackle usually difficult materials such as mattresses and computers.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith and Member for Gembrook Brad Battin visited Outlook Environmental in Pakenham yesterday to unveil plans for the project that aims to recycle 5000 tonnes of materials each year.
“We’re starting off with 1000 tonnes each year but that’s the goal,” Outlook Environmental business manager Ross Cheesewright said.
Chief executive officer Tony Fitzgerald said he was thrilled the facility – which would be based 200m from the Officer train station – had become a reality after an earlier meeting with government this year had essentially stalled the project.
“I remember walking out of that meeting and thinking ‘there’s not much hope’,” he said.
“We really need something like this in Cardinia.”
“There was no money for it earlier this year,” Minister Smith said.
“But when there was, our thoughts turned to Outlook straight away. It’s a very impressive organisation.”
Employees will work a variety of shifts, ranging from full time to just a few hours each week.
Children from the Officer Specialist School will help out when possible.
Based over a large site, Outlook believes there is massive scope for expansion beyond stage one with construction expected to begin in the middle of next year.
President Edwin Hume said the “very generous” advance would make a huge difference.
“We have been trying to get it up for some time, so we will spend this grant well and spend it wisely,” he said.
Outlook has recycling centres in Mornington, Hampton Park and Reservoir.
