Can-do charity promise
VICTORIA’S long-awaited cash-for-cans scheme could inject hundreds of millions of dollars into sporting clubs, charities and community groups and create more than 1200 jobs.
VicRecycle, established by Coca-Cola Amatil and Lion, is lobbying the state government to appoint a not-for-profit operator for the container deposit scheme.
THE bigger is better philosophy clearly rang true for the new owners of a sprawling Lovely Banks property that has just sold for $1.277m.
Buyers seeking a lifestyle address not far from central Geelong lined up to inspect the 1.35ha offering that has garaging for 14 cars, a swimming pool and views over Corio Bay.
Harcourts North Geelong agent Joe Grgic said 1 Cuddihy Court went under offer within 10 days of hitting the market.
“We had multiple offers from different parties,” Mr Grgic said. “It sold to a local guy who is very excited.”
They say the scheme, modelled on successful programs in Queensland and Western Australia, would be more than $800 million cheaper over the next decade than following the lead of NSW, where a commercial operator is in charge.
“We want to see parents have the opportunity to take their cans or bottles down to the footy club or netball courts on the weekend and the club use those donations to upgrade facilities or reduce playing
The property comes with a two-storey, four-bedroom house that includes a huge ensuite.
The new owners will also enjoy three living areas, a renovated kitchen and an updated outdoor entertainment area overlooking the pool. “It was fees,” VicRecycle director Jeff Maguire said.
“Times have never been tougher for many of these organisations — and a scheme that’s focused on delivering for the community will be welcomed across the board.”
The government has set up an advisory group to guide the design of the scheme, which will go live in 2023, making Victoria the last state in Australia to put one in place.
VicRecycle’s proposal the combination of the lifestyle property, being three acres, and it’s right there,” Mr Grgic said.
“I had some Melbourne buyers come down and they couldn’t believe its proximity to everything, but yet it had that rural feel. I actually have would see a not-for-profit operator appointed by and responsible to the government, with KPMG estimating this would create 1220 jobs, compared to 445 jobs with a commercial model.
In WA, the not-for-profit route has enabled 40 per cent of collection points to be run by community organisations and social enterprises, which share in payments made by refund point operators, logistics and processing providers. people who missed out and buyers that are still looking.”
He said the generous shedding, which includes a double garage and a separate shed that can accommodate 10-12 vehicles, was perfect for tradies or storing caravans and trailers.
It also means depots, bag drops and reverse vending machines could all be rolled out to cater to local needs, rather than a commercial operator with a monopoly using its preferred solution.
Mr Maguire, who is also Coca-Cola Amatil’s container deposit scheme head, said the group was in discussions about its proposal.
“Victoria needs a scheme that increases recycling and has benefits that flow through to all Victorian communities,” he said.
Premier Daniel Andrews had opposed a cash-for-cans system before changing his position as part of a 10-year recycling overhaul announced earlier this year.
“The container deposit scheme will undergo an extensive community consultation process later this year, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to have their say,” a government spokeswoman said.