Media release – Tasmanian Liberals, 29 April 2021
Securing The Future Of Our Unique Environment
A re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government will seize the opportunity to create a truly circular economy, by investing in recycling and organics processing.
The Tasmanian Government has set a target to reduce the volume of organic waste sent to landfill by 50 per cent by 2030.
To help us achieve this, we will invest $4.5 million to improve organics collection and reprocessing infrastructure across Tasmania.
We will support Dulverton Waste Management to develop a state-of-the art composting facility in Northern Tasmania, while supporting feasibility and design work for a similar facility in the South.
The Liberal Government already has a clear plan to take strong action on waste, but a re-elected majority Liberal Government will go further.
We’ll lead by example and pave the way for the use of crumb rubber from recycled tyres in our State-owned road pavements.
We will start the introduction of crumb rubber through our State Road resurfacing program from 1 July 2022, and if successful look to expand its use to state-owned roads and pavements from 1 July 2023.
Importantly, we’ll invest $3 million of our Circular Economy Fund to partner with industry to invest in a rubber crumbing plant to support this commitment and provide an additional $4 million over four years to help the industry transition.
A re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government will also;
- Provide $1 million over four years to implement our commitment to phase out single use plastics, including $100,000 to drive innovation from small businesses to start this journey;
- Provide $200,000 for a second Business Resource Efficiency Program;
- Support the Australian Government to implement a single touch environmental approvals process; and
- Develop a sustainability strategy to ensure our island remains productive for future generations.
We will also invest an additional $1.34 million for the ongoing protection of Tasmania’s threatened species. This includes $1 million towards the implementation of actions identified in the Swift Parrot Recovery Plan, as well as funding for the Raptor Refuge to run their dedicated telephone hotline for injured birds.
These commitments are in addition to;
- Commencing operation of a Container Refund Scheme next year;
- Introducing a new state-wide waste levy this year; and
- Providing $5.5 million towards the Recycling Modernisation Fund grants program to build our plastics reprocessing capacity.
The full policy is available here.
Media release – Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia, 29 April 2021
WMRR welcomes Tasmania keeping our essential industry on the agenda
The has welcomed the Tasmanian Liberals’ environment policy, saying the party’s renewed commitment to its waste and resource recovery priorities bodes well for Tasmanian industry, community and environment.
Ahead of this weekend’s state election, Minister for Environment and Parks, Roger Jaensch, announced that if re-elected, a Liberal government would invest $4.5 million to improve and increase Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO), pave the way for the use of crumbed rubber from end-of-life tyres in state road surfaces, and provide $1 million to a single-use plastics phase-out, to name a few. The Minister also reaffirmed his commitment to roll out a container refund scheme in 2022, introduce a state-wide waste levy this year, and provide $5.5 million in Recycling Modernisation Fund grants to build Tasmania’s plastic reprocessing capacity.
“The Minister is to be congratulated for keeping our essential waste and resource recovery sector on the agenda. It is evident that he has his eye on the prize, that being to protect Tasmania’s environment and community while at the same time growing the economy by committing to, and funding circular initiatives,” WMRR CEO, Ms Gayle Sloan, said.
“In addition to reaffirming the commitments made over the last 18 months such as implementing a levy and a Container Deposit Scheme for Tasmania, the Minister has also announced new money to ensure that the objectives of the party’s environmental policy are met. Importantly, the Minister has charged a Liberal government to lead by example and committed money through green state procurement policies, stimulating the local remanufacturing industry.
“These commitments should excite Tasmanians as it spells growth and investment in local economies which in turn will boost local jobs. We look forward to working with the elected government as Tasmania transitions from being a green state to a truly circular one,” Ms Sloan said.
Media release – Boomerang Alliance, 29 April 2021
Reducing Plastic Pollution: election policies make headway
Most states and territories in Australia have passed laws or propose laws to reduce their single use plastics. Tasmania is one of the few exceptions.
‘Tasmania should not be the last state to ban problem single-use plastic takeaway items and stop plastic pollution. It’s a natural move as Tassie has an enviable reputation as a green and healthy state,’ said Jeff Angel, Director of the Boomerang Alliance.
Boomerang Alliance asked the three major parties about their policies on a container deposit scheme having a return rate above 90%; and their plans to ban damaging takeaway single-use plastics.
‘We received some pretty good responses:’
- Container Deposit Scheme – all parties support the introduction of the scheme, but only the Greens plan to set a return rate above 90% (world’s best practice is 95%.
- Single Use Plastic Bans – The Greens supported new laws to ban problem single-use plastic items, consistent with other Australian jurisdictions by 2022; and the Libs will meet the by 2025 national target for phasing out unnecessary and problematic plastics and ban them in government facilities and at events on public lands by 2023.
- Plastic Pollution Reduction Plan – The Liberals have committed $1 million over 4 years for a Plastics Implementation Plan, draft legislation and a transition plan for business. Labor are less committal and will explore options for a long-term plastics plan. The Greens support a plan.
‘Clearly the next Parliament should see action on plastic pollution. What Tasmania really needs is to catch up with other States and introduce plastic bans as soon as possible. We urge all parties to work together,’’ Mr Angel said.
According to latest Clean Up Australia data for Tasmania, 41% of all litter was beverage and takeaway food packaging.
Five states/territories have either passed laws or proposed laws to ban certain takeaway plastics such as straws, cutlery and containers. NSW are likely to announce shortly, leaving the NT and Tasmania without any plans.
This month (April 2021) the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments supported a national phase-out of problematic and unnecessary plastic products including straws, cutlery and expanded polystyrene containers by 2025 (MEM communique April 2021).
