Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) has launched the Australian Crumb Rubber in Council Roads Incentive, a new program designed to support local governments to use Australian tyre-derived crumb rubber in road construction projects for the first time
The program offers a total of $550,000 in funding and applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible councils will receive one-off financial support of $250 per verified tonne of crumb rubber used, up to 100 tonnes per council, with a maximum funding contribution of $25,000 per project.
The TSA program aims to reduce the cost and perceived risk of first-time adoption, helping councils build confidence in incorporating crumb rubber into future road construction and maintenance programs.
Lina Goodman, CEO, TSA, said the incentive aims to accelerate the uptake of recycled tyre materials in local roads while creating new opportunities for Australian recyclers and road manufacturers.
“Local governments play a critical role in Australia’s road network, managing and maintaining an estimated 77% of the nation’s roads. Councils are central to how roads are built and maintained across the country. By reducing barriers to first-time adoption of crumb rubber in asphalt, we can help councils gain practical experience with the material and create a pathway for broader, long-term use of recycled tyre materials in asphalt road construction,” Goodman said.
“Australia generates around 577,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres every year, the equivalent of 72 million passenger tyres, and using crumb rubber in roads is one of the best circular solutions for those tyres,” Goodman explained. “Research shows crumb rubber asphalt can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30% over a road’s lifetime, while delivering stronger performance: roads that resist cracking, rutting and water damage, need around 30% fewer maintenance interventions, and are quieter for motorists and residents.
“Every kilometre of two-lane road can use up to 2,400 end-of-life tyres. This is a proven, cost-effective solution, and governments have a real opportunity to make it standard in their road projects.”
The incentive specifically requires the use of crumb rubber supplied by TSA Accredited Recyclers, further strengthening Australia’s circular economy for end-of-life tyres. Funding is available for eligible crumb rubber asphalt projects across Australia, with crumb rubber spray seal projects also eligible in the Northern Territory only. Applications are now open.
