Last days to apply for waste initiatives funding

22 July, 2014

If you’ve got a good idea to get rid of waste, time is running out to apply for funding to get it off the ground.

The Waste Resources Advisory Group (WRAG), administered by Bay of Plenty Regional Council, launched a new $50,000 fund last month to help along waste initiatives from Bay of Plenty-based businesses, industry, councils or community groups.

Regional Council Project Implementation Officer Reece Irving said interest in the new fund was strong, and he knew of several groups intending to apply. Applications for the first round of funding close on 1 August.

“It’s likely that the amounts sought will far exceed the funding available,” he said.

“The contestable fund was designed to promote the region’s Waste and Resource Efficiency Strategy’s actions and initiatives. This includes fostering collaboration and partnerships, improving data and information management, increasing resource efficiency and beneficial reuse, reducing the harmful impacts of waste and stimulating research and innovation while reducing waste to landfill.”

Project funding applications will be scored on how closely aligned they are to the Strategy's key focus areas.

“Waste efficiency and minimisation involves the community, business and industry working together. WRAG’s 16 members include representatives from all of these sectors.

“We’re looking for projects which may have other sources of funding as well,” Mr Irving said.

WRAG will meet in mid-August to consider the projects. Information about the assessment criteria, the Waste Resource Efficiency Strategy and an application form are on the Regional Council’s website, www.boprc.govt.nz/wrag

ENDS

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