I read about something very similar months ago. In my opinion, the idea may not be Australian, it may actually have been done earlier in India. I believe the person was known as “Recycle Man,” and back in June or July he was using masks to make bricks and concrete. The plastic can actually help reinforce strength.
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That said, using masks in bricks, concrete, and even asphalt is a great way to give disposable masks a second life. Before they become part of construction materials, there are also many other ways we can recycle or upcycle masks into useful products.
www.nytimes.com/2021/02/09/world/what-to-do-with-all-those-disposable-masks-turn-them-into-roads-researchers-say.html

Cela empêcherait les masques et les gants de pénétrer dans nos installations de traitement des eaux usées et de causer des problèmes.

​It would prevent masks and gloves from entering our wastewater facilities and causing problems.