RELIVIT, a Victorian company that has plans to bring a revolutionary recycling project to the Shoalhaven, remains committed to the deal with Australian Paper despite the announcement of the Shoalhaven Paper Mill’s closure.
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Relivit signed a memorandum of understanding with Australian Paper in 2013 to establish the country’s first nappy and incontinence pad recycling service at the Shoalhaven mill.
The project has the potential to tap into a lucrative market worth $120 million.
Relivit NSW general manager John Nolan-Neylan said the company was still committed to the project.
“The announcement certainly came sooner than we would have hoped,” he said.
“We were hoping to be able to have both operations cohabiting at the Bolong operation.
“We are still committed to the project and we are still in discussions with the company over the use of the site.
“Australian Paper is obviously looking to find someone to use the site and continue its long-standing relationship with the area.
“We just need to work out the details.”
He said the project moved a step closer with the company being invited late last week to the second round of the state government’s Waste Less Recycle More resources recovery infrastructure grants.
“We are looking to obtain a grant of approximately $2 million, which should help us get the resources we need to get construction going, if we find the right term for Australian Paper and ourselves.”
He said once up and running the project would employ close to 30 permanent staff but could have a flow-on effect of around 70 indirect jobs for the area.
“Until we finalise our deal with Australia Paper and the grant our timeline is a little soft,” he said.
“As soon as construction starts the project could be up and running within nine to 12 months.”