WIMMERA councils have been granted a lifeline with the state government announcing new funding for councils affected by recycling bans.
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China’s ban on imports of Australian paper and plastic waste forced councils including Horsham, Buloke, Ararat and Northern Grampians to search for alternative storage when waste contractors stopped accepting recyclable material.
Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced on Friday the state government would provide $13 million in funding to help councils and industries affected by China’s decision.
Funding will assist councils up until June 30, but they will be required to meet any increase in recycling costs from July 1.
Horsham Rural City technical services director John Martin said the funding would allow councils time to plan for the future.
“We don’t know all the details at this stage about what it will mean, but it’s a positive move,” he said.
“This will give us time to plan properly for changes after June 30 and work towards some new arrangements or opportunities for different players in the market.
“The Municipal Association of Victoria have indicated that the money could help ensure recycling continues to be picked up.”
Northern Grampians mayor Tony Driscoll said the announcement was a positive development in the ongoing discussions around the future of recycling and waste industry.
“We welcome the announcement and look forward to working alongside the government and other affected councils in order to flesh out the details of this plan,” he said.
“Obviously council’s primary concern is to continue to deliver uninterrupted kerbside recycling services to our residents.”
Buloke Shire works and technical services director Anthony Judd said the changes to recycling had happened quickly.
“The state government funding is a short-term package that will help the industry find itself,” he said.
“The details are still unclear about what this means for us, but on the surface it seems like a positive step.”
Mr Judd said the money would also go towards the recycling industry.
“It’s good to see the government helping the industry as well, not just councils – it might help the industry move forward,” he said.
