The Greens’ Caroline Le Couteur is drawing our attention to the release of the 2008 report
into the ACT’s “NOWASTE” strategy.
The report makes the following points:
- — the good progress to date in reducing waste to landfill is being eroded and landfill disposal is on the increase;
— annual growth, demands annual increments in operating budgets, and future requirements for landfill capacity demands additional budgetary allocations of capital – on this basis, the waste budget cannot be held at the current level;
— further progress in resource recovery is supported by economic assessment, but landfill gate fee revenues skew financial assessment against efforts to minimise landfilling of waste;
— “No Waste by 2010” needs to be replaced by a more contemporary strategy and associated policy that does not rely on mixed waste processing as the underpinning technology to deliver the objectives.
Caroline, while thrilled to have finally got the report, would like something done about the findings:
- The report reveals that the progress made in waste reduction is in danger of regressing if emerging signs continue. It also says the Government cannot afford to go backwards or stand still when it comes to funding for waste reduction, or with its waste reduction targets.
“Despite this – and the fact that the average waste to landfill per person in Canberra is increasing – the Government has failed to set improved targets this year.”
“The Greens want the Government to improve its targets, to refocus on waste prevention and producer responsibility, to take strong action in the area of commercial waste, and to implement other Greens initiatives such as organic waste recycling.” Ms Le Couteur said.
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