container deposit legislation - yarra ranges wants it

report from the roundtable - 8 mar

At this week's meeting I moved a motion to show Yarra Ranges support of Container Deposit Legislation to both the State and Federal governments.

I became aware that legislation for Container Deposit Legislation will be introduced to the federal parliament to consider the introduction of a national Container Deposit scheme. I'm also aware that Container Deposit Legislation will be re-introduced into the State parliament now there's been a change of government.

I thought it was important the both tiers of government know that the Shire of Yarra Ranges wants to see this legislation in place.

Yarra Ranges has long supported a deposit system for drink containers. We are abundantly aware of the rubbish in our environment, mostly drink containers, and this particularly takes prominence after Clean Up Australia Day.

In Yarra Ranges 15% of recyclable material still ends up as landfill, an incentive based system like a Container Deposit scheme would have an enormous impact on recycling rates.

It's worked in South Australia for years, it can work in Victoria too.

I'm pleased to report that councillors voted unanimously to support the motion (note: Cr Templer absent).