Two Northern Territory waste recycling businesses have been awarded a combined $1.5 million in grants by the Lawler Government to recycle concrete into road bases and other products used in the construction industry.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Kate Worden said the money was part of the government’s NT Circular Economy Strategy 2022-27, which aimed to boost the circular economy by turning waste into a valuable commodity.

“Government is investing more than $1.5 million in new recycling infrastructure projects which will help pave the way for an efficient and modern recycling industry in the Territory,” Ms Worden said.

The Ostojic Group was given $1,248,995 to purchase crushing and screening technology to develop recycled road bases and other products suitable for reuse by the construction industry.

Ms Worden said the machinery separates steel and metal from concrete waste, processes waste concrete, and blends it with other materials to create new products, with the company aiming to divert 55,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste from going to landfill annually.

Remote Industries Australia was given $274,965 to establish a concrete recycling facility in Tennant Creek, with Ms Worden saying the company aimed to divert 4,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste from going to landfills annually, recycling it into materials that can be used as road bases, laydown pads, and for other upgrade and refurbishment works.

“CENT provides an opportunity for businesses and industries to reduce the amount of waste they produce, reduce their costs, and work towards a more sustainable future,” Ms Worden said.