In conjunction with World Environment Day, the LNP has committed to a policy that would address one of Queensland’s enduring environmental issues – cans and bottles littering our land and waterways and creating excess land fill issues.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett, who was instrumental in creating the policy as Queensland’s former Shadow Environment Minister, said the LNP would introduce a container deposit scheme that would see Bundaberg and Burnett consumers, businesses and charities refunded 10 cents for aluminium, glass and plastic drink containers returned for recycling.
“I’m extremely proud of the work that has gone into this landmark policy which will deliver a great win for the environment in the Bundaberg and Burnett region,” Mr Bennett said.
“This plan will result in less visual pollution and has the potential to create hundreds of jobs across Queensland in the recycling sector.
“The Bundaberg and Burnett area is unique, and with this benchmark policy from the LNP we can help keep the region litter free.
“Community groups in the Bundaberg and the surrounding region will have the opportunity to organise community clean-up events and cash in containers through the scheme to aid fundraising efforts for other activities.”
Mr Bennett said it’s estimated that Queensland community groups could claim over $25 million from deposits and handling fees, and create hundreds of new jobs across the state in the recycling sector.
The Discovery Coast Environment Group welcomed the policy to implement a container deposit scheme in Queensland.
The group’s spokeswoman, Amber Lowcock, said she hoped it would make people think twice about how they handled recyclables and would hopefully increase recycling across the state.
“We would love for it to be implemented ASAP, bringing us in line with New South Wales for July 2017,” Mrs Lowcock said.
“We eagerly await an implementation of a plastic bag ban as well.”
Shadow Environment Minister Christian Rowan said the introduction of the CDS reaffirmed the LNP’s commitment to grassroots environmental policies and would bring Queensland in line with other states across Australia.
“In states where a Container Deposit Scheme has been introduced, more than 80 per cent of consumers return containers and a 2015 Newspoll showed 85 per cent of Queenslanders supported a CDS,” said Dr Rowan.
“While Labor tries to paint itself as the party that cares for the environment, its record shows a party big on rhetoric, but doing little in the way on real, workable policies that help protect our environment.
“The index shows our litter rate mis 41 per cent higher than the national average, with 72 items of litter per 1000 m2, and we should be doing everything we can to clean up Queensland.
“This is a landmark decision to clean-up Queensland and better protect our environment.”