$20,000 boost for fresh approach to sustainability

The Fund is delivered by Sustainability Victoria under the Victorian Government’s circular economy plan, Recycling Victoria: a new economy.

A reuse shop - or tip shop - diverts goods from the waste stream and supports community members to reuse, upcycle or repair items that would otherwise end up in landfill.

Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas welcomed the news that Council was successful in its application to the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria Councils Fund.

“Sustainability comes in many forms, and this is an exciting project that could help our communities divert material from landfill and save money as well as provide an avenue for creativity and innovation,” she said.

“The $20,000 received through this fund will be used to carry out a feasibility study into establishing a reuse shop at any or all of our three transfer stations.”

Cr Nicholas said reuse shops help extend the life of products and materials.

“A well-established reuse shop would provide the community and our visitors with a means to breathe new life into suitable items received at our transfer stations - in turn reducing waste to landfill and improving the local circular economy,” she said.

“I have been told that sometimes visitors to our townships go looking for the tip shop, it’s a bit like an opportunity shop, someone’s discard is another’s treasure”

“The funding will allow us to investigate various business models, including the infrastructure required and the ongoing costs of a range of possibilities.

“It will be fantastic to see what our options are.”

In addition to the $20,000 received from the Recycling Victoria Councils Fund, Council will provide a $10,000 in-kind co-contribution for this project.