Each edition we feature the views of a State Local Government Association President. The following is from Mayor Sue Smith, President Local Government Association of Tasmania.
The Local Government Board has handed its final comments to the Minister and has given options to the Government as regards the West/North West and the Greater Hobart areas of Tasmania. Thus one could say that they have handballed the ‘hot’ issues back into the political arena.
At the time of writing, we are one week away from a Government declaration. The one constant all are in agreement with is that it is time to finish the process so Local Government can get back to what it does best – local governance.
The major issue in the customer service area among Councils in Tasmania is the recycling crisis affecting all areas of Local Government around Australia. Adding the cost of Bass Strait shipping to the equation makes the crisis even deeper in the Island State.
The Beverage Industry Council has made strong representation to the Government against any form of container deposit legislation, and the Government appears to be weakening, with an offer to Local Government of introducing a waste levy on Local Government in an attempt to discourage people utilising the waste stream for disposal.
The fact of poor markets for recyclables seems to have been lost on the Government at the moment and the waste stream may be the only option for the disposal of recyclables.
Legislation encompassing a national position is the only solution if we wish to continue the 70-80% recycling ethic that Local Government in Tasmania has encouraged.
