ACT Greens spokesperson for Waste, Caroline Le Couteur MLA has described the release of a 2008 report on the ‘No Waste’ strategy as an important turning point which should bring about a new approach to waste management.

“The Greens have pushed and pushed to be able to see this independent report, which the Government has held onto since June last year – probably because it is quite critical of the Government’s efforts. Without the pressure from the Greens this report would have been buried and recommendations lost.” Ms Le Couteur said.

“The Government now must use this report to seriously improve its approach to waste. Its release will also allow the community and stakeholders to see the real picture and to be more involved in influencing the Government’s waste policies.”

The report reveals that the progress made in waste reduction is in danger of regressing if emerging signs continue. It also says the Government cannot afford to go backwards or stand still when it comes to funding for waste reduction, or with its waste reduction targets.

“Despite this – and the fact that the average waste to landfill per person in Canberra is increasing – the Government has failed to set improved targets this year.”

“The Greens want the Government to improve its targets, to refocus on waste prevention and producer responsibility, to take strong action in the area of commercial waste, and to implement other Greens initiatives such as organic waste recycling.” Ms Le Couteur said.

The report is now available here.

ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey criticised the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services for refusing to release a review of the ACT Government’s No Waste Strategy.

“If we really want a no waste plan, we need to recycle the Minister” Dr Foskey said today.

“The review of the No Waste Strategy was completed at the end of May. In answer my question in the Assembly today Minister Hargreaves said he wouldn’t release it. I imagine it damns him for wasting time.”

“The State of the Environment report released today made it clear that while we are good recyclers in Canberra we are even better at generating waste.”

“Until this Minister is prepared to offer some leadership on home and garden waste collection, and improved recycling for businesses and in public places, we will continue to move in the wrong direction.”

“Today when I asked the Minister what changes the Government was making to that Strategy he refused to answer.”

“That might be because he has no idea what was happening with the review and the action plan for the next few years, or because he is so embarrassed at what he has failed to deliver.”

“The ACT is not well served by the current Minister for Waste who has been wasting time on this issue for years” Dr Foskey said.