Victorian Coalition Government providing $100,000 to target litter along the Yarra River and bay beaches
Funding will go to councils to tackle litter hotspot areas
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith launched the initiative today with Lord Mayor Robert Doyle along Birrarung Marr
A litter hotspot initiative announced today will work with local councils and groups to target litter hotspot areas.
The Victorian Coalition Government will provide $100,000 in funding to assist local councils and community groups deliver litter prevention and clean-up programs along the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith with Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle today announced the litter initiative along the bank of Birrarung Marr.
"The Litter Hotspots Project will help build a better Victoria by working with local councils and community groups to find local litter solutions," Mr Smith said.
"Litter Hotspots is one of several programs in place as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s $7 million commitment for a cleaner Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay.
"Cleaning up litter from streets and public places is costly, with litter clean-up costing local councils $78 million every year. These costs can be avoided by disposing of litter properly."
The Coalition Government has allocated $6,500 to the City of Melbourne to educate businesses about how they can improve methods for disposing of waste.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said that every time it rains, water carries litter, oil and contaminated waste directly into stormwater, which then flows into the Yarra.
"If we keep our streets clean we keep our waterways clean," Cr Doyle said.
"The City of Melbourne spends more than $11 million a year to collect rubbish from the streets and prevent litter, cigarette butts, oil and contaminated water ending up in stormwater.
"This project will help us identify a key litter hotspot and work with businesses in the precinct to dispose of waste responsibly so it doesn’t end up in our waterways."
Local governments and community organisations were invited to put forth ideas and submissions for their unique litter hotspot project. Ten project partners will receive between $5,000 to $14,000 to help put their litter tackling plans into action.
For more information visit www.mwmg.vic.gov.au/local-government/litter/litter-hotspots-project
Media contact: Elise Huck 0477 365 912 elise.huck@minstaff.vic.gov.au