The Government is committed to working cooperatively with the tyre industry, local government and other stakeholders to tackle the issue of disposing of tyres.
After discussions with the Northern Midlands Council last week it has been agreed that a working group will be formed to discuss options for dealing with the issue.
The working group will be made up of representatives from:
• Tyre wholesale/retail industry in Tasmania;
• Tyre Stewardship Australia and/or Australian Tyre Recyclers Association;
• Local Government and in particular the Northern Midlands Council;
• The Environment Protection Authority; and
• State Government.
The Working group will consider and provide recommendations in relation to three separate matters:
1. How tyres in the current stockpile at Longford can be disposed of appropriately and cost effectively;
2. How disused tyres should be managed into the future; and
3. What regulatory reform is needed to tackle this issue.
An initial report from the working group is expected by mid-December.
Matthew Groom, Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage
