Each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Anthony Bisdee, President Local Government Association of Tasmania.
One of the great disappointments for Local Government is the fact that when the big decisions are made by State and Federal Ministers involving the support and participation of Local Government we invariably are not invited to be at the table.
Recent damning evidence of this is the decision of State, Territory and Federal Ministers to accept the recycling industry offer of $17.50 million, to be equally matched by State, Territory and Local Governments, as the industry contribution towards the National Packaging Covenant (NPC) and the National Environmental Protection Measure (NEPM).
The Covenant, as agreed, requires Local Government to increase efficiencies and product standards for their kerbside collection systems, while the only requirement for industry is that they purchase recycled products at market prices. This is clearly unacceptable to Local Government.
National Local Government’s position, as forcefully presented and stated by ALGA, to the State and Territory Minister and the Federal Minister, is that by accepting such a ‘token’ contribution from the industry Local Government would yet again be the long term loser by being a party to such an arrangement.
The constituents we represent will ultimately be required to fund yet higher changes to cover the ‘gap’ between the cost of kerbside recycling and the diminishing returns from recycled products.
The recent decision by the Ministerial Council has both long term and fundamental consequences for the future funding of kerbside recycling and ultimately for the nation as environmental standards affecting both recycling and waste disposal will invariably increase with higher community and political expectations placed upon Local Government.
It was little wonder then, that at the most recent ALGA Executive meeting held in Sydney in March that a resolution was unanimously carried to the effect that ALGA, on behalf of Local Government nationally, would refrain from signing the National Packaging Covenant in its present form and immediately called upon the Federal Minister to reconvene the Ministerial Council and reconstitute the Council to include Local Government representation.
We need to address the issues of kerbside recycling and waste management in an integrated and strategic manner to achieve the desired outcomes. All stakeholders and especially the packaging industry, will need to adopt a more responsible and cooperative attitude towards the problem which they contribute to in no small way. To abrogate their responsibilities by offering a ‘token’ financial contribution is not living in the real world.
The real world, as we all know, is experiencing considerable cost escalation in providing recycling systems for our communities and while we all aspire to recycling increased volumes of waste we are also cognisant of the fact that the ‘gap’ between the cost of collection and recycling is invariably increasing as the market price of recycled products continues to fall dramatically.
If we, as a nation, are going to embrace the ideals of a more sustainable and enhanced environment then all stakeholders must acknowledge that we all have a role to play.
While we move towards a society and lifestyle that requires even greater volumes of consumer products with limited lifecycles the recycling problem is multiplying, and will continue to do so, until all stakeholders accept their individual responsibilities – and this includes the packaging industry.
