Kerbside recycling help

Northern Grampians Shire Council leaders have welcomed a State Government commitment to ongoing kerbside collection of household recyclable waste.

Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’ambrosio has announced the government would provide $13-million to help councils and industry affected by China’s decision to stop receiving low-quality mixed recyclables. Northern Grampians mayor Tony Driscoll said the announcement was a positive development in the ongoing discussions around the future of Victoria’s recycling and waste industry.

“We welcome the Victorian government’s announcement and look forward to working alongside the government and other affected councils in order to flesh out the details of this plan,” he said.

“Obviously the council’s primary concern is to continue to deliver uninterrupted kerbside recycling services to our residents, and we aim to continue to do that as per usual for the foreseeable future.”

Councils can receive funding until June 30, 2018.

Ms D’ambrosio said councils would be required to meet any increase in recycling costs from July 1.

“While recycling is ultimately a matter for local councils, we’re stepping in to help councils and industry affected by China’s new import rules,” she said.

“This is about protecting jobs and ensuring Victorians have confidence to continue recycling.

“We’re already investing at record levels to manage waste in the long term and we will continue to work with industry and local government to help them address these challenges.”