What has happened?
Infrastructure Victoria (IV) has been asked by the Victorian government to provide advice on waste infrastructure in Victoria.
IV’s advice is to be provided to the Special Minister of State by April 2020, with an interim report due in October 2019.
Role of Infrastructure Victoria?
IV is an independent government advisory body which provides advice to government on infrastructure related issues. It has three main functions: (i) preparing a 30 year infrastructure strategy for Victoria which is refreshed every 3 to 5 years; (ii) providing written advice to government on specific infrastructure issues; and (iii) publishing original research on infrastructure-related issues.
To prepare its report IV is undertaking engagement with industry, the community, local government, key stakeholders and will draw on interstate and international comparators to develop its own advice. IV is calling for submissions which will close on 28 June 2019.
Key Focus Areas
The government has set out its priorities for IV in Terms of Reference. The Terms of Reference have a broad infrastructure focus whilst highlighting the following:
- Secondary processing of recyclable materials in Victoria (rather than foreign markets);
- Residual waste processing, including waste to energy; and
- Organics processing.
The Terms of Reference foreshadow government taking a more active role in supporting infrastructure investment and it will be of interest to stakeholders what sort of stake the government will take in critical infrastructure going forward in return for its investment.
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