By Peter Douglas
Yarra Ranges Council has resolved to speak out against the proposed use of the Industrial Landfill Levy, which it says is being misused.
At the Tuesday 9 May meeting, Cr Jim Child won support to have the council write to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio raising concerns the funds are not being distributed as per the original purpose of the levy.
In addressing the council, Cr Child said the matter was urgent, considering the item was to be discussed at a local government waste forum and also by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).
“For a number of years now, there has been a contribution by this council and all councils in Victoria to the landfill levy,” Cr Child said.
“The landfill levy started with a minimal contribution of (around) $5 to $9 and has grown to $63.
“So when you look at this municipality, we really stand out because of the size of our municipality, that contribution starts to add up.”
Cr Child said Yarra Ranges Council allocated $16.7 million to waste services in the 2017/18 draft budget, and that the Victorian Government netted more than $400 million in total from the levy.
“We see in the (Victorian) budget papers a number of allocations that just don’t add up,” Cr Child said.
“That is funding for a new Parks Victoria website development, a Parks Victoria asset management tool, land acquisition for three parks in Melbourne metropolitan area, and also contributions to the Great Otway National Park.
“Myself, and my colleagues on the local government forum, don’t have a problem with those initiatives, but it’s out of the wrong fund.
“It’s our money to invest in those waste issues in regards to education, reducing landfill; they’re the areas that should be concentrated on.”
