The Greens are concerned about a government grant for waffle pod production while the same material is banned in new single-use plastic laws.
abc.net.au/news/greens-question-waffle-pod-manufacturing-grant/101782828Questions are being raised about a $640,000 grant to make polystyrene waffle pods after the same material was banned under the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021.In June, a Sydney company received a $640,000 grant to build a factory in regional NSW to make waffle pods
In September, the government provided the funding to a Sydney-based company, Styrofoam Industries, to set up a new waffle pod manufacturing operation in Queanbeyan., and the state government said it would help bring 32 jobs to the region.Grant a 'mockery' "Yet it is providing targeted grants for the increased production of polystyrene to be scattered across building sites."
Tony Milone from Cuplolex Australia said, structurally, waffle pods were a good system, but concerns might arise when homes are demolished in the future. "I urge the government to rethink this grant and instead provide funding to companies that are working on recycled and compostable products."In a statement, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Job Creation Fund supported projects that supported regional prosperity.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority said the use of waffle pods for construction was not banned under the NSW single-use plastics ban.