Connellan Airways Trust Chair Mr Mark Coffey has announced The University of Queensland “Cape York Recycling Research Project” is the recipient of the $50,000 Outback Major Grant in 2022. The project aims to support the advancement of people living in Far North Queensland through innovative recycling solutions.

The Outback Major Grant was introduced by the Trust in 2021 aiming to address contemporary challenges in outback Australia. This year’s focus was on ‘sustainable recycling in the bush’. The Cape York Recycling Research Project will be working towards enhancing innovative recycling in rural, remote, and regional outback communities; developing and scaling new opportunities towards the circular economy; and supporting bush recycling through world-class research, small-scale enterprise development, training, and education programs.

“It has been many years since the Trust has supported research like this in the outback, however this project fit well with the intent of the Outback Major Grant this year,” said Mr Coffey.

“Not only will the Cape York region benefit from a clear roadmap on recycling sustainability and prospective social enterprise, but the entire region will have future opportunity for upskilling and increased employment openings in the Outback they love,” said Mr Coffey.

The project will identify the factors contributing to the recycling challenges through a place-based approach, as well as developing a roadmap in partnership with local stakeholders for the successful adoption and scaling of recycling solutions. The roadmap is intended to provide a strategic framework to guide the next stages towards practical and novel approaches, which hopefully will be transferable to similar regions in the Outback. Professor Hurriyet Babacan from UQ’s Australian Institute of Business and Economics and Dr Anya Phelan from UQ’s Business School will be leading the project and working with local stakeholders on the ground.

“The long-term vision for this program is to create lasting impact by building capacity for recycling and waste management options on the Cape York Peninsula and other regions of the Outback,” they said.

Mr Coffey stated that the Trust is looking forward to seeing the project advance sustainable recycling in the region, whilst simultaneously advancing the social and economic benefits of the outback people who live there.

The Trust was established by E.J Connellan (the NT pioneer, aviator and pastoralist) and the Connellan Airlines shareholders in 1981 following the sale of the NT based airline. Due to the generosity of many and the efforts of E.J Connellan, the Trust continues to support people in Outback Australia through a variety of grants and scholarships.

For information on the Trust or to support our work through a donation visit www.connellanairwaystrust.org.au

For Media Enquiries Contact:

Connellan Airways Trust:             Jessica Hacket, Executive Officer:              0439 049 646   

                                                         Mark Coffey, Chair:                                         0401 116 166