Thursday, 18 June 2026

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Environment, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (12:24): Today I rise to inform the house about the Allan Labor government’s $1.16 million investment in circular economy infrastructure in Dandenong South. At EarthSure’s soil wash facility at the Taylors Road resource recovery precinct, contaminated soil is being transformed into a resource. The facility, a joint venture between Ventia and Veolia, can now process 160,000 tonnes of contaminated category C soils every year. Rather than sending the soil to landfill, the facility converts 98 per cent of it into high-quality reusable materials ready for construction and infrastructure projects. That includes sands, aggregates and road base. The remaining 2 per cent is treated onsite at EarthSure’s existing thermal desorption plant, eliminating the need to transport hazardous residues.

Contaminated soil has long been a barrier to development, a cost burden on landfills and a drag on construction projects reliant on quarried materials. This investment changes that equation. By diverting 160,000 tonnes annually from landfill, we reduce quarrying pressure, lower construction costs and create new jobs in Victoria’s circular economy sector. This is what circular economy infrastructure looks like. Contamination becomes resource, landfill pressures ease and communities benefit from cheaper, environmentally sound building materials. This investment sits within our broader $515 million investment in Victoria’s waste and recycling reform, because communities are strengthened when we invest in infrastructure that turns waste into value. Last week I had the opportunity to see this happening in real time. I want to take this opportunity to thank Veolia CEO and Managing Director Craig Barker and all the staff and team for their hard work on this project. Only Labor is building the circular economy infrastructure that creates jobs, protects our environment and delivers real benefits to all Victorians.