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Environment | March 21, 2018

Rubbish collection costs likely to increase thanks to Daniel Andrews

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP says the Andrews Labor Government’s decision to ignore repeated warnings from China about an impending import ban on some recyclable plastics and paper will result in increased costs for Victorian ratepayers.

“Our local councils now face the prospect of storing recyclable waste and freighting it to Melbourne themselves or dumping it into landfill attracting an additional State Government landfill levy,” Ms Kealy said.

“Either way this will be significantly more costly to local government and ultimately ratepayers and will take money away from road management and other council priorities.

“Victorians have been left to endure an environmental and health crisis on their curbside because Daniel Andrews and his failed energy and environment minister, Lily D’Ambrosio have shown no willingness to act on this looming State crisis.

“Labor sat back and ignored the repeated warnings and once reality hit, have handballed the problem to Local Government to solve themselves.

“The Liberal and Nationals are committed to a robust and viable kerbside collection operation in Victoria.

“If elected in November a Liberal and Nationals government will work closely with local councils and the recycling sector to ensure a sustainable recycling industry and to give Victorians confidence that their efforts to ‘do the right thing’ are justified,” she said.