$6m to keep Victoria beautiful and litter free

Premier John Brumby has announced a $6m litter package that will help reduce litter across Victoria by 25% within the next five years.

Taking part in Clean Up Australia Day, Brumby said the new package centred around the three key elements necessary to change behaviour and prevent litter - education, infrastructure and enforcement.

Brumby said: “Strong communities need a clean environment and this $6m package will strengthen our already strong culture of recycling and anti-littering behaviour.

“We are working in partnership with local councils and the community to drive this initiative, which will help keep litter from our environment and waterways and further reduce the amount of rubbish that goes to landfill.”

Brumby said that, last year, the EPA issued more than 18,000 fines based on public reporting, compared to approximately 1600 in 1996.

“This is a clear signal that Victorians don’t tolerate litter and want action. The government is keen to further promote and develop that positive culture,” he said.

“We will work with local governments to roll out expanded public-place recycling, employ local government litter prevention officers, produce a ‘behaviour change’ campaign to help the community understand the issue and develop litter prevention kits for roadside litter.”

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said eliminating litter and increasing recycling rates was an integral part of the Victorian government’s commitment to delivering the Towards Zero Waste Strategy, a 10-year plan for Victorians to transform waste management into recovery of valuable resources.

The litter strategy and action plan is led by Sustainability Victoria and supported by the Environment Protection Authority and Victorian Litter Action Alliance.