Hobart, 23 May – The Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC) welcomes the Tasmanian Government’s $1.27 million grant to Tyrecycle Pty. Ltd. to upgrade their Bridgewater facility with a new waste tyre chipper. This significant investment caps over two years of dedicated lobbying by TACC for a sustainable solution to repurpose the state’s end-of-life tyres.
TACC State Manager Bruce McIntosh lauded the announcement from Minister for Parks and Environment, Mr Nick Duigan, stating “This is excellent news for the environment, consumers, and Tasmania’s automotive repair and tyre retail sectors. For too long, industry has shouldered the cost of collecting and freight-shipping waste tyres across Bass Strait for recycling – an expense inevitably passed on to customers.”
The upgraded Bridgewater plant will process approximately 650,000 end-of-life car tyres generated annually in Tasmania into tyre-derived fuel (TDF) chips. These chips can substitute for coal in industrial applications like cement manufacturing, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by around 30%.
“This innovative solution enables our automotive industry to make a meaningful contribution to Tasmania’s emissions reduction targets under the 2030 Strong Plan,” noted Mr McIntosh. “We commend the government’s forward-thinking $3 million Waste Tyre Reprocessing Grant Program catalysing sustainable end-of-life tyre management in our state.”
TACC also highlighted synergies with the federal government’s $73 million commitment to four major carbon reduction projects in Northern Tasmania utilising TDF. “Investing in TDF production creates jobs in regional areas while meeting global demand for low-emission products made right here,” said Mr McIntosh.
While celebrating this solid first step, TACC indicates more progress is needed to streamline statewide tyre collection and disposal practices that have long challenged small automotive businesses. “We’ll continue discussions with Minister Duigan about improving this aspect of the process,” stated Mr McIntosh. “However, his demonstrated approach of listening, considering all perspectives, and consulting stakeholders before acting is greatly appreciated by our industry.”
With Tyrecycle’s extensive expertise in tyre recycling, TACC believes this project exemplifies responsible environmental stewardship that unlocks value from a significant waste stream.
“The automotive sector produces a huge volume of spent tyres each year,”. “We’re thrilled this initiative minimises waste exports while turning that byproduct into a sustainable fuel source.” said Mr McIntosh.
ENDS
Download Media Release: Media Release – TACC Welcomes Tyre Recycling Investment