Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced that through Jobs for NSW he is giving a $500,000 interest free loan to Lithgow business Nu-Rock.
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The announcement was made at a business breakfast held by the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, April 24.
Mr Barilaro said the company would create 21 jobs at Mt Piper for Lithgow workers in roles such as transporters, ground staff, health and safety officers and managers.
“It’s really about what is seen as a waste and they are going to turn it into a concrete block or brick for building purposes that is light-weight compared to concrete and cheaper compared to concrete,” he said.
Joking about the overnight success of the company that has dedicated 20 years to finding the right compound and technology Mr Barilaro said he was impressed with the dedication Nu-Rock has shown.
“They are playing their role in making sure we recycle some waste from the ash, sounds simple but it’s not,” he said.
Nu-Rock has been able to create a pilot plant at Mt Piper where it utilises the waste ash and turns it into a low-cost, environmentally friendly, light-weight fire rated blocks, pavers, panels and other building materials.
“We are really excited about the loan, because it locks in the pilot plant for fast-tracking,” director of Nu-Rock Mike Retter said.
Mr Retter said this would be the proof of success and they would be able to lock in a big fully functioning plant where they could make 16,000 bricks an hour.
EnergyAustralia, operators of the Mt Piper power station have been supportive of this venture with the board visiting the site.
“Nothing worth doing is easy,” project manager Daniel Rahme said.
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President of the Lithgow District Chamber of Commerce Angela O’Connor said the Chamber was pleased to have such an impressive attendance at the breakfast.
“It was an informative opportunity for both small business and industry to connect with government,” she said.
“The announcement for Nu-Rock Technology is a fantastic outcome, with the opportunity of creating over 100 jobs in the future, it is definitely an industry we are proud to have in our area.”