The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s response to council concerns regarding waste emissions and the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).
ALGA Chief Executive Officer Adrian Beresford-Wylie said he was reassured by the Federal Government’s announcement that emissions from legacy waste (waste deposited in landfills before the start date of the CPRS of 1 July 2011) will not be included in the CPRS.
“The decision to exclude legacy waste addresses Local Government’s concerns that the scheme would unfairly impose costs on ratepayers for actions that occurred before the CPRS began operating,” Adrian Beresford-Wylie said. “No other activity was going to be treated in this retrospective fashion.
“Local Government is also pleased with the Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change Greg Combet’s commitment to consult with Local Government and the waste industry on any arrangements that will apply to landfills below the 25,000 tonnes CO2 emission threshold.
“The CPRS should be focused on larger landfills above the threshold and its application to any smaller landfills should be determined only after consultation with the sector.
“These particular issues were the focus of ALGA’s submission to the Government on the CPRS and the Government’s decision on these points shows that it has taken our views seriously and responded to them and that is very good news for Local Government.”
Adrian Beresford-Wylie emphasised Local Government support for the fundamental objective of the CPRS to reduce emissions through changes to behaviour and processes.
“ALGA applauds the Government’s decision to remove legacy waste from the CPRS and will work constructively with the Government to resolve outstanding issues,” he said.
