Rivals vie for green voters

GOLD Coast Mayor Tom Tate and rival candidate Mona Hecke are trying to convince voters that they will be the city’s recycling champions.

Mayor Tate today will steer his campaign in a green direction by announcing his plans to ramp-up the city’s recycling efforts, if re-elected on March 28.

“We have 2300 parks across our city – most with basic rubbish disposal facilities. Around 110 have modern recycling facilities so visitors can sort their rubbish and place it in the most appropriate bin. Yet there are none of these south of Pratten Park here in Broadbeach,” he said.

“Over the next four years, I want to double the number of parks with these modern facilities, particularly in the southern end of our city.

“My annual Mayor Budget Listening Posts have confirmed that recycled bins are needed south of Burleigh. That will be my said.

The recycled facilities – red/ yellow bins with signage and timber surrounds – cost around $2000 each.

Councillor Tate says he will keep his recycling plans “within budget”.

Based on a maximum of $2000, a further 100 facilities would cost $200,000.

“We have a $1.7 billion city budget so I’m confident we can manage this without any rates pressure,” he said.

Ms Hecke has promised she will declare a war on plastic and keep the city clean and green.

During a speech to a Plastic Free Gold Coast event at the Karma Collab Hub in Miami, Ms Hecke said it was exciting to see residents take up the challenge to free the city from plastic pollution.

“This is clearly important for the planet but it has particular resonance here, on the Gold Coast, where plastic can easily escape to the ocean from initial focus,” he our beaches, rivers and canals,” she said.

“Far too often, we see dolphins, turtles and seabirds that have died from eating plastic, And we’re not immune ourselves. There is barely an aspect of life that doesn’t involve plastic, and microplastics are increasingly prevalent in our diets, from the clothes and cosmetics we use every day.”

Ms Hecke wants council to become an “environmental entrepreneur” with the city’s major employer working to reduce, re-use, recycle, and repower our city with renewable energies.

“I do as I say with my own election materials, I am avoiding use of plastic corflute. I’m using fibre- based, water-resistant display board, made in Australia and printed locally with eco-friendly ink,” she said. “On my watch, council will lead by example, adopting environmentally responsible

operations and supporting sustainable businesses and behaviours throughout the city.”