Annual Report 2015-16

Highlights of 2015–16 - Transition to the Office of Green Industries SA - The agency’s transition from the Office of Zero Waste SA to the Office of Green - Industries SA commenced from 1 July 2015. Subject to the passage of legislation, the new body – Green Industries SA – will increase South Australia’s capabilities and leadership in green industries, encouraging innovation and economic growth through the development of the green economy. South Australia’s Waste Strategy 2015-20 released Following public consultation in 2014-15, South Australia’s Waste Strategy 2015-2020 was released in November 2015. The Strategy continues to advocate for high levels of recycling and reuse of waste during the next five years. South Australia’s Waste Strategy is the lead State Government document that informs and guides waste management policy, strategy and activity in South Australia. The 2015-2020 Waste Strategy will be a key tool in maintaining South Australia’s nationally and internationally recognised track record in waste management leadership. South Australian Government Trade Waste Initiative Work started on implementing the South Australian Government’s $5.29 million. Innovation: In 2015-16, the Office of Green Industries SA awarded $300,000 to industry under a new Innovation Grants Program. This Program is for innovative projects in the resource efficiency sector seeking to generate benefits to the economy and deliver environmental and community benefits. $100,000 each in funding was awarded to Plastics Granulating Services, SA Group Enterprises and CDL Solutions SA. These projects aim to create up to 70 new jobs in the waste and recycling sector. To fully capitalise on the economic benefits and job creation opportunities arising from innovative technologies in the waste management and resource recovery sector, in 2015-16 the agency started exploring other ways to partner with private enterprise to bring innovation to South Australia.