the campaign trail - 22 sep

I'm running in the upcoming state election in the upper house seat of Eastern Metropolitan. It's been another busy week on the campaign trail. This week includes updates on:

- Greens doorknock Doncaster Sat 27 AM details here (plenty of time to help the Greens and watch the Grand Final)
- Greens introduce bill to ban battery cages and sow stalls
- Greens - Global Climate Mobilisation
- Greens - Make family violence a top election issue
- Greens plan for a 10c refund scheme
- Greens candidate Jill Wild campaigns at Croydon train station, Ben Cronly for Bulleen doorknocks Templestowe and Richard Cranston for Warrandyte at Park Orchards Market
- Greens call for action for firefighters
- Greens initiative - End duck shooting

Climate change poses the greatest threat to our world in human
history and requires urgent local, national and global action.
Read the Greens climate policy here.

You can keep up to date with campaign news on:

facebook - Samantha Dunn EasternMetropolitan
  or
twitter - @greens4eastmet 

to volunteer or donate

web - Samantha Dunn, Candidate for Eastern Metropolitan

time for container deposit now, no threat to kerbside collections

report from the roundtable - 11 feb

An extraordinary article appeared in the Mail Newspapers in January, titled “Home recycling pick-up under threat”, the story talked about kerbside recycling under the threat in Yarra Ranges if a Container Deposit Levy (CDL) was introduced.

This astonishing claim was made by the CEO of the National Packaging Covenant Industry Association. In the article Mr Stan Moore said if CDL is introduced it could force Yarra Ranges Shire to reduce or even stop kerbside collection. Mr Moore couldn’t be more wrong.

I’d like to invite Mr Moore to take a quick stroll along our roadsides, reserves and waterways where he can see for himself the amount of beverage containers in our environment, that wouldn’t be in our environment if there was a price attached to them. And who cleans them up, community volunteers and council.

In a submission to the Standing Committee on Environment and Planning in 2011 it was highlighted that it is our estimation that beverage containers account for 15% of litter collected in the Shire’s gross pollutant traps. Fifteen percent might not sound like a lot but that equates to 44 tonnes of beverage containers in any one year.

Yarra Ranges Council has long supported the introduction of CDL because of the many benefits including reducing unsightly and dangerous litter in the environment as well as increasing recycling rates saving both energy and use of raw materials used in the production of packaging.

We do support the introduction of CDL and see it as being complimentary to our kerbside recycling program.

At best it is erroneous to suggest Yarra Ranges Council will abandon our kerbside recycling, at worst it is scaremongering of the very worst order.

samantha in the media

Feeding ban voted down, ruffling a few feathers
by David Schout
Yarra Ranges Weekly
4 Jun 2013

Yarra Shire's memo to Abbott
Yarra Ranges Weekly
4 Jun 2013

3MDR Judy Ann and Company
Interview with Judy-Ann

Panel to referee fast food slow burn
by Emily Webb
Leader Newspaper
3 Jun 2013

Planning future under scrutiny
by Kath Gannaway
Mail Newpapers
4 Jun 2013

Hills controversy spills over
Mail Newspaper
4 Jun 2013

No cocky ban
by Emma Sun
Mail Newspaper
4 Jun 2013

Feathers fly as bid fails to fine cockatoo feeders
by Emily Webb
Leader Newspapers
3 Jun 2013

Panel to chew over fast food proposal
by Emily Webb
Free Press Leader
5 Jun 2013

Waging war on weeds
Free Press Leader
5 Jun 2013

Free to feed cockies
by Emily Webb
Free Press Leader
5 Jun 2013

container deposit takes a step up

I was delighted to learn that COAG has decided to progress a Decision Regulatory Impact Statement to consider the introduction of a Container Deposit System (CDS). I have long advocated for Container Deposit Legislation (CDL) through both the state and federal governments. Yarra Ranges Council first supported  CDL in February, 2008.

The Decision Regulatory Impact Statement will explore the benefits of a CDS, long championed in Yarra Ranges. At the moment it is ratepayers and our volunteers who bear the brunt and cost of litter created by people discarding their beverage containers into our environment. A CDS would see a value put on this rubbish and also provide opportunities for community groups to earn an income from other people’s rubbish.

I hope that the Decision Regulatory Impact Statement process includes proper public consultation and a full and transparent submission process. For too long we have waited for a CDS, something that’s been in place for decades in South Australia. It would certainly make Yarra Ranges roadsides and waterways much cleaner.

For more information and background on Container Deposit support:

message in a bottle - june 2012

council confirms support for container deposit scheme - march 2012

presentation to standing committee on environment and planning legislation committee - november 2011

submission supporting the environment protection amendment bill - october 2011

container deposit legislation gets support at mav - june 2011

container deposit legislation yarra ranges wants it - march 2011

submission management of australia's waste streams to senate standing committee on environment - july 2008

message in a bottle

Yarra Ranges Council has had long standing support of a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) for beverage containers. In 2008 we first endorsed a policy position to support Container Deposit Legislation.



Peter Cook, one of the key drivers behind
AFROCAB, Australians for Refunds on Cans and
Bottles, sets sail in the SS 10cent deposit boat.

I was delighted to be able to join members of AFROCAB (Australians for refunds on cans and bottles) for their launch of the "SS 10cent deposit" boat at Lake Auravale. The boat made entirely of bottles and cans found in the environment.

Peter Cook has worked tirelessly to raise the profile on this issue. In 2005 he and Marion Cook formed AFROCAB so they could represent the views of Australians who want something done about the growing number of cans and bottles that litter the countryside.


Locals join Peter for the launch of the SS 10cent deposit
boat at Lake AuraVale.
Pictured left to right: Linda Ballis, Lee Fuller,
Cr Samantha Dunn, Peter Cook, Rose Ovenden,
Marion Cook,Graeme Eadie and John Ballis.

It was terrific to join with other passionate locals from the region who came out to join the launch.

A Container Deposit Scheme would bring significant benefits to Yarra Ranges council, particularly in relation to reducing costs in cleaning out street drainage pits, gross pollutant traps and public bins.

There'd also be savings on kerbisde recycling due to the increased value of containers that remain in the bins. There's enormous potential for community fund raising as well as income for individuals.

A CDS would see a greater incentive for recycling by the hospitality industry and at events and festivals. Material would be diverted from landfill and there's the environmental benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and reduced water consumption.

I commend AFROCAB on their commitment and dedication to raising awareness on this issue and look forward to government, either federal or state, just getting on with legislating to enable a container deposits scheme in Victoria. 94% of Victorians support it.

If you'd like to watch the boat launch event, click here.

samantha in the press - environment

Onboard the SS 10 cent deposit
Yarra Ranges Weekly
19 June 2012

Weeds get the skip
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
20 June 2012

samantha in the press

Belgrave South: New members keep toy library in play
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Claire Thwaites
12 June 2012

Boat has bottle
Mail Newspapers
by Emma Sun
13 June 2012

council submissions - container deposits & timber release plan

report from the roundtable - 24 apr

As part of council's committment to open and transparent governance we have started to report back via our formal meeting process submissions we have made.

This time round submissions for noting included our submission to:

1. The Standing Council on Environment and Water regarding Packaging Impacts Consultation Regulation Impact Statement
2. VicForests on proposed changes to the 2011-2016 timber release plan.

The first submission highlighted the benefits to Yarra Ranges Council of a Container Deposit Scheme to reduce waste to landfill and the associated costs to council. Yarra Ranges Council has long supported the concept of a Container Deposit Scheme as a way to reduce litter in the environment, reduce the cost of waste management, provide opportunities for community groups to raise income, better reuse resources, increase recycling rates and decrease waste to landfill.

The second submission (to VicForests) highlighted council's concerns, previously detailed in our submission last year (click here for details). They include issues around logging in water catchments, impacts on local tourism and economy, impacts on the environment, quality of ecological assessments, retention of habitat trees, protection of threatened species habitat and regeneration of logged coupes. It is worth noting no changes were made in relation to any submissions made by stakeholders last time round, I suspect it will be the same outcome this time round.

If you'd like to look at either of council's submissions click here for a copy.

council confirms support for container deposit scheme

report from the roundtable - 13 mar

At this week's council meeting I moved a motion to support a national Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) by way of a council submission to the current consultation process underway. It was terrific to get the unanimous support of councillors.

The motion was in response to a letter we'd received from the Australian Local Government Association highlighting an opportunity to submit to the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement on Packaging as a result of work done by the COAG Standing Council on Environment and Water.

In speaking to the motion I talked about the recent Clean Up Australia Day where once again drink containers featured heavily, it was reported to me that 60% of rubbish collected locally was drink containers.

Yarra Ranges has had a long history of supporting the introduction of a Container Deposit Scheme.

- On 12 February, 2008, Yarra Ranges resolved to support a CDS.

- In July 2008 I presented to the Inquiry into the Management of Australia's Waste Streams held by the Senate Standing Committee on Environment outlining council's support for a CDS following our written submission to the process.

- On the 8th March, 2011 council reaffirmed its support for CDS by writing to both the Federal and State governments encouraging the introduction of a CDS.

- In June, 2011, member councils of the MAV supported the introduction of CDS for Victoria based on a motion put forward by Yarra Ranges.

- In October 2011 Yarra Ranges provided a submission supporting the Environment Protection Amendment (Beverage Container Deposit and Recovery Scheme) Bill 2011.

- In November 2011 I presented to the Standing Committee on Environment and Planning Legislation Committee, subcommittee on the Environment Protection Amendment (Beverage Container Deposit and Recovery Scheme) Bill 2011.

The motion I was seeking support for was consistent with council's past resolutions on the issue. I talked about the South Australia experience, the fact that the scouts there earn $9million per annum from their CDS, the fact that the recovery rates in SA are much higher than Victoria. I even mentioned that if a small nation like Kiribati can do CDS then surely we can manage as a nation to introduce a CDS.

There are significant benefits to council, particularly in relation to reducing costs in cleaning out street drainage pits, gross pollutant traps and public bins. There'd be savings on kerbisde recycling due to the increased value of containers that remain in the bins. There's enormous potential for community fund raising as well as income for individuals. A CDS would see a greater incentive for recycling by the hospitality industry and at events and festivals. Material would be diverted from landfill and there's the environmental benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and reduced water consumption.

It is important the Yarra Ranges Council continues to have a voice in these matters on behalf of our community. I'm pleased to say councillors supported the motion unanimously.

Don't forget you can also submit to the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement on Packaging, if you want to learn more click here, submissions close 30 March, 2012.

The motion:

That:

1. A submission be made to the COAG Standing Council on Environment and Water commenting on the Packaging Impacts Consultation Regulation Impact Statement.

2. The submission highlight the benefits to Yarra Ranges Council of a Container Deposit Scheme to reduce waste to landfill and the associated costs to Council.

container deposit legislation gets support at mav

It was great to learn that the motion I put up for consideration at the MAV State Council was approved by the majority of local governments across Victoria.

Back in March this year, I moved a motion for Yarra Ranges to support Container Deposit Legislation (see blog) to let both the state and federal governments know about our support to see this scheme implemented.

Further to this, my motion also wanted us to forward a motion to the MAV to get the support of local councils across the state. The MAV is one of the peak bodies for local government in Victoria.

The motion:
That the MAV support the introduction of a broad based packaging/container recovery scheme supported by legislation; integrating initiatives such as Container Deposit Legislation.

There are enormous environmental and economic benefits to a container deposit scheme, it's pleasing that the MAV will now be advocating this on behalf of councils across Victoria.

samantha in the press - cdl

Council backs deposit scheme
Mail Newspapers
by Russell Bennett
10 May 2011

samantha in the press - waste

Cash in
Mail Newspapers
by Russell Bennett
15 March 2011

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).

container deposit legislation, how long do we have to wait?

It's good to hear the Senator Scott Ludlum has drafted legislation to introduce a national container deposit scheme. The legislation aims to put a 10cent value on beverage containers that would otherwise end up in landfill or our environment.

As thousands of people across the country participated in Clean Up Australia Day activities last weekend, beverage containers continued to be a large part of what was collected by volunteers. A deposit system would go a long way to getting this waste out of our environment and into the recycling stream. Recent reports show that 94% of Victorians support a container deposit scheme.

The Shire of Yarra Ranges has long supported a Container Deposit scheme, first resolving to support it back in February, 2008. Our support led me to present to the Senate Inquiry into the Management of Australia's Waste Streams where we highlighted to Senators the importance of a mandatory broad based container/packaging recovery scheme.

At the moment the only thing standing in the way of a national container deposit scheme is the federal government. The new parliamentary secretary for sustainability and waste, Senator Don Farrell has responsibility for this issue. If you're keen to see this issue progressed then write to Senator Farrell to ask him to stop delaying the scheme.

South Australia has had a very successful scheme in place for over 30 years, putting much money into the pockets of community groups across the state whilst they have far greater recycling rates than other states with no scheme. The Northern Territory has just introduced its own scheme. It's time for the country to have a national based container deposit scheme.

There are so many benefits to a beverage container deposit scheme, less litter in the environment, more money in the pockets of community groups, higher recycling rates and less need for raw products as there's greater availability of recycled materials.

If you'd like to see a national container deposit scheme be sure to write to Senator Don Farrell and let him know.

10 cents can change the world

Today saw Greens MLC, Colleen Hartland, present over 4000 postcards to "the Minister for the Environment" supporting the Greens Container Deposit Legislation.

Gavin Jennings, Minister for the Environment, wasn't available so young Ewen stood in for him. Even before the legislation was introduced to parliament Minister Jennings indicated the government would not be supporting it.

In a rally on the steps of parliament, people came to hear Colleen speak about the benefits of a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). A CDS puts money into the hands of community groups (the scouts in SA make $1 million a year!), uses less raw materials to make new containers, creates less greenhouse gas emissions, means much less recyclables in landfill and far less litter in our environment.

Last Thursday, Liz Ingham (Colleen's Electoral Officer), presented the benefits of a Container Deposit Scheme to a group of interested people in Warburton, the night was organised by the Upper Yarra Greens.

Julian Guess - Convenor of the Upper Yarra Greens, me and Liz Ingham - Colleen Hartland's Electoral Officer in Warburton. People were very supportive of the scheme, the benefits of restaurants having a financial incentive to recycle received a great response.

Today's rally on the steps of parliament to support the introduction of a Container Deposit Scheme. The Shire of Yarra Ranges supports the introduction of drink container deposits and recently voted to gain the broader support of all Victorian municipalities at the upcoming MAV State Conference.

94% of Victorians support a Container Deposit Scheme and if the legislation is successful it will see 83% of containers recycled, as it captures all those drinks consumed away from home. The Greens have conservatively estimated that the introduction of a CDS will mean $390,433 more dollars in Yarra Range's budget per annum.

Earlier this week Greens Senator, Scott Ludlum, introduced a federal bill for Container Deposit Legislation.

If you want to see 10cent refunds on drink containers contact your local MP and ask them to support the legislation.

container deposit legislation

report from the roundtable - 28th April
Tonight's meeting was the deadline to submit resolutions to the upcoming Municipal Association of Victoria State Council meeting in May, 2009. The MAV is an association that advocates on behalf of municipalities throughout Victoria and if a resolution is supported by a majority of councils at the MAV state council then these matters are those that the MAV will advocate on for the local government sector.

Container Deposit Legislation is something that the Shire of Yarra Ranges council initially supported through a resolution on the 12th February, 2008 (for a full run down visit blog) and given the current emphasis and interest in Container Deposit Legislation, I thought it important to raise the matter to gain support through the MAV.

There are so many benefits to be gained from container deposit legislation. Less litter in our environment, more money in the pockets of community groups, less need for raw materials as more materials are available for recycling and much greater rates of recycling.

It has been difficult to get support of CDL at past MAV State Council meetings, it will be interesting to see if the landscape has changed post the 2008 local government elections.

If you'd like to find out more about how CDL works come to Warburton to find out, see blog for more details.

10cent deposit on drink bottles, cans & cartons - hear all about it in Warburton

94% of Victorians are in favour of a container deposit legislation, yet the state government is not yet behind legislation proposed by Greens upper house MP Colleen Hartland.























I invite you to come and find out more about the 10cents deposit campaign and the benefits of this legislation on Thursday May 14th, at the Wild Thyme Cafe in Warburton.

Key speaker for the night will be Liz Ingham who is Colleen’s electoral officer and also a regular columnist for Earth Garden magazine. I’ll also be there to talk about the Shire of Yarra Ranges’ perspective.

Find out
how the proposed legislation will work
how Yarra Ranges Shire Council and local community groups will benefit
how much litter will be reduced and
how to get involved

If you can’t make it on the night but still want to be involved you can join the campaign electronically.

turning rubbish into money

Earlier this week, Greens MLC Colleen Hartland (pictured above) released Turning Rubbish Into Money, a report detailing the benefits of container deposit legislation (CDL). The report outlines the financial, social and environmental benefits of a 10cent deposit on drink bottles and is a precursor to the Greens introducing legislation for a 10cent refundable deposit on drink bottles, cans and cartons. Colleen commisioned the report to show that a 10cent deposit system is not only good for the environment but makes sound financial sense (visit VicGreens and follow the links to find out more).

Last year the Yarra Ranges Council considered the issue of container deposit legislation, the benefits were very clear, any legislated, mandatory broad based packaging and recovery scheme would reduce unsightly and dangerous litter in our environment. At the same time increasing recycling will save both energy and raw materials used in the production of packaging. There are many positive benefits to the community, the environment, government and industry.

Turning Rubbish Into Money highlights the benefits of CDL, benefits which South Australia has been enjoying for many, many years. The Keep Australia Beautiful Litter Index report 06-07 clearly indicates that there are far less CDL items in the litter stream in South Australia. Per 1000 m2 of land there were 1.59 CDL items in South Australia compared with 2.8 items in Victoria.

If you would like to know more about the CDL campaign follow this link.

The Shire's support of CDL resulted in an invitation to present to the Senate Committee Inquiry on Waste Streams (see blog).

I presented to the Senate Committee on behalf of council and included the results of a waste audit for the Melbourne metropolitan region, a staggering 15% of the waste collected was made up of recyclable materials and finding their way to landfill, imagine if there was a CDL system in place, these recyclables would be making the community money rather than filling up landfill space. A recent audit of the shire’s public waste bins found that 50% of rubbish was recyclable.

In South Australia the Scouts make over $1 million a year from can and bottle refunds. Other charities and community groups also benefit financially. Imagine if there was a CDL system in Victoria, no more unsightly rubbish cluttering our streets, like these left over stubbies in Belgrave. CDL has massive benefits to community and the environment.

The Senate Committee final report highlighted support of the waste hierarchy:

"The waste hierarchy was supported by many as a meaningful tool to guide waste management as it seeks to minimise waste generation and maximise resource recovery. As Councillor Samantha Dunn stated:
The waste hierarchy—refuse, reuse, recycle, recover energy, treat, contain, dispose—should be used to guide all community consideration and management of waste products"

more haste on waste

Today I spoke at the Inquiry into the Management of Australia's Waste Streams held by the Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and Arts. The Inquiry is seeking feedback on a number of issues including the introduction of Container Deposit Legislation (CDL).

The Shire of Yarra Ranges was invited to submit at the hearing following on from our written submission to the senate committee. I have pursued the issue of CDL for some time which I’m pleased to say resulted in council supporting CDL at a meeting earlier this year.
.

During the 30 minute submission I outlined the basis for council supporting the introduction of CDL. I also highlighted to the Senators the importance of a mandatory approach to a broad based container/packaging recovery scheme. I went on to talk about Vision 2020, the community and council's shared vision for Yarra Ranges and how the move to a zero waste society was one of the aspirations of the Yarra Ranges community. The Senators were very interested and asked many questions to gain a local government perspective.

Senators showed a great interest in data Yarra Ranges presented on waste to landfill, particularly latest data showing 15% of recyclable material still ends up as landfill. Of this 58% is plastics, glass, steel and aluminium, the rest being newspaper and paper based products. We clearly have more work to do to achieve 100% return rate on recyclables.

Introduction of national container deposit legislation is well overdue, experience in South Australia is clear, their recycling rates for PET bottles, glass and cans far exceed the national rates. I will continue to advocate for CDL, a National Packaging Covenant that’s mandatory and Extended Producer Responsibility, all of which would run in parallel with current council kerbside recycling services.

I have no doubt a legislated, mandatory broad based packaging and recovery scheme would reduce unsightly and dangerous litter in our environment. At the same time increasing recycling will save both energy and raw materials used in the production of packaging. There are many positive benefits to the community, the environment, government and industry.