Using PPPs in the Waste and Recycling Game
Keiran Travers
Waste / Recycling / Circular Economy | Waste Business Advisory Services | Waste Recycling Funding Applications | Environment Approvals | Waste Recycling Infrastructure 0431 222 327
Public-Private Partnerships have been a useful tool for governments to deliver social and economic infrastructure for many years in areas such as roads and public transport, hospitals, schools, courts, and prisons etc.
While they are not labelled as PPPs, there is a strong public sector influence in delivering energy-from-waste and other major waste infrastructure projects. However, this influence is usually at a local government level, where councils (either individually or collectively) are key suppliers, whereas PPPs typically involve the States or Federal Government as procuring agencies.
A re-think of our conservative approach in the waste/recycling game might be needed. This could work with an active facilitation process at the State government level. Alternatively, States could take an active role in driving market-led proposals/PPPs by identifying strategic opportunities, precincts and available waste volumes, and possibly aggregating the critical feedstocks (waste). Private-sector owners provide the infrastructure, services and labour (as well as the capital of course). The recycled product is “owned” by the PPP operator who is both responsible for its treatment (or disposal) and can receive revenue for selling the product.
PPPs and market-led proposals are not a simple exercise but they can have significant benefits for both parties. Early market research, understanding where and when managing risk, and having clear outcomes are some of the key components of successful PPP.
One of the Harbak team is currently undertaking some market research for a client to determine the available waste volumes and contracts in an area so a potential proposal can be drafted, while other colleagues are heavily involved in the development stage and capital raising for major waste infrastructure projects.
Please give me a call on 0431 222 327 if you would like to discuss. #PPP #waste #recycling #MRF #procurement #plasticrecycling #organicrecycling #wastelevy #risk #capital