Cheers! Beer bottles a foundation for major road upgrade
Date published: 29 July 2020
Townsville City Council is recycling 2.3 million beer bottles and around 720 tonnes of concrete in a major road works project at Stuart.
Council is upgrading Vantassel Street and Zinc Road which connects the Bruce Highway to the Stuart Landfill site, the Sun Metals refinery and other businesses.
Acting Mayor Mark Molachino said Council is taking an innovative approach to the project.
“Recycling is a major focus for Council – and the figures in this $1 million project are impressive,” Cr Molachino said.
“Council is recycling around 2.3 million stubbies, which is around 480 tonnes of glass – staff are also reusing 720 tonnes of concrete. Overall the project will use around 1500 tonnes of recycled material.
“Council is cutting landfill use and the associated costs so this highlights the savings we can make if we’re smart with our recycling.
Cr Molachino said the recycled materials play an important role in the project.
“The fine crushed glass and concrete will be laid as a select fill under the road base. This is a key ingredient in a road that is heavily used by large trucks,” Cr Molachino said.
“The recycled glass and concrete mix reduces the need to use virgin quarry material so the process is more environmentally friendly.
“Local company Goodsell Earthmoving is providing the crushed concrete so this is a great example of Council using local contractors and local materials.
“The 10-week project is supporting 12 jobs onsite and at least another 20 local jobs with our local suppliers so it is good for the local economy.”
