Media release - Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, Nick Duigan, Minister for Parks and Environment, 9 September 2024
Landfill levy waiver for Tasmanians
The Tasmanian Government has waived the landfill levy as it delivers additional support for Tasmanians impacted by the recent severe weather.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said to support clean-up efforts from rain and flooding across Tasmania, the Government was waiving the landfill levy payable by landfill operators for disposal of extreme weather waste.
“We know the clean-up is well underway and hundreds of households, businesses and community groups are affected,” the Premier said.
“To make it easier for people to remove materials damaged or left on their property by the floodwaters, we are waiving the landfill levy.”
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan said the waiver applied statewide, consistent with the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
“We recognise many Tasmanians will have spoiled food, organics and other green waste material to remove from their properties,” Minister Duigan said.
“We want to remind everyone that these items are also being accepted at waste transfer stations free of charge, and we encourage people to divert these items to composting and other recycling facilities where possible.
“Sites such as the Spreyton Waste Transfer Station have placed additional FOGO bins on site to accommodate the additional waste and Launceston Waste Centre is accepting clean tree and vegetation debris free of charge until September 15.”
People are encouraged to check with their local councils for other locations or similar opportunities.
The landfill levy waiver will be in place until 30 November 2024.
Landfill operators will be provided with information about how to apply the fee exemption.
Residents do not need to take additional actions but should confirm eligibility with their landfill operator or inform their landfill operator on arrival at a facility that they are disposing of waste generated by the severe weather event.
This levy exemption follows the Temporary Living Support Payment announced over the weekend which provides $2,000 payments to households with prolonged power outages greater than 7 days, or whose homes are uninhabitable.
Applications for payments can be made from 2pm today, Monday 9 September via https://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Tasmanian Government’s TasALERT website.
Relief measures available to Tasmanians impacted by floods and storms
The Tasmanian Government is working hard to support those who have been impacted by recent storms and flooding.
We acknowledge that thousands of Tasmanians have been forced to go without power for many days now and we thank them for their patience as TasNetworks continues to work around the clock to reconnect Tasmanians.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmanian Government has activated several emergency relief measures, which are now available for those who have gone without power, and are requiring food, water and essential items.
“More than 6,000 Emergency Food Grants have been processed and paid into bank accounts of Tasmanians – totalling more than $2.1 million,” Premier Rockliff said.
“The Government is actively working with the Federal Government on further financial support measures may be required, including for small businesses, farmers and producers who are only now realising the full impact of the damage.
“I know these are really challenging times for many Tasmanians. We will continue to do everything we can to support you and I encourage all Tasmanians to familiarise themselves with the available support.
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan said there were about 3,000 Tasmanians still without access to power.
“TasNetworks has suffered severe damage to more than 20% of its network,” Minister Duigan said.
“While 22 crew members have been brought in from interstate and 10 crews relocated from the south to assist, we are advised this unprecedented damage will still take some time to repair. Some customers in areas with significant line damage may not be reconnected until well into next week.
“Repairing networks requires highly specialised skills, and we thank the hardworking crews who have been working tirelessly to restore connections, with over 150,000 households and businesses having been reconnected over the past few days.”
To help support those who have been directly impacted, the following supports are available:
- Emergency Assistance Grants for residents in the Derwent Valley who have been impacted by flooding. The grants are available to help assist obtaining essential and appropriate shelter; food; transport and personal items. Grants are available of $250 per adult (over 18 years), $125 per dependent child (under 18 years); and a maximum of $1,000 for any one family. Applications for Emergency Assistance Grants can be made online here: https://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/
divisions/cpp/community- grants/emergency-assistance- grants - Emergency Food Grant Fund, providing payments of $350 for Tasmanian households who have gone without power for at least 72 hours. Applications for the Emergency Food Grant Fund can be made online here: https://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/
divisions/cpp/community- grants/emergency-assistance- emergency-food-grant-fund - Immediate funding for community organisations to provide food and water relief across the state. These items are available for Tasmanians in need, through our neighbourhood houses, Foodbank and Loaves and Fishes.
- Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) have been activated, enabling grants to be made available to local communities and councils as they commence recovery efforts. Enquiries can be made by emailing [email protected]
- For Tasmanians who may not be eligible for the Emergency Food Grant Fund, they may be able to receive compensation through TasNetwork’s Power Supply Guarantee.
- Councils and community organisations have also come together to establish drop in locations for Tasmanians in need of a shower, charging station or a cuppa. Locations are available here: Community Support – TasNetworks
