THE Victorian Government is cleaning up parks and reserves with action against illegal disposal in northern Victoria, and making sure environmental polluters are held accountable.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has announced that applications are now being accepted for the $8.5 million Illegal Dumping Clean-up Rebate Program, which will give public property managers and councils extra funding to clear up illegally discarded rubbish.
“We are helping keep northern Victoria clean, healthy and safe,” Ms Symes said.
For public land managers in northern Victoria, illegal dumping is a major problem. Councils and land managers deal with constant difficulties and high expenses related to rubbish clearance.
Councils and crown land committees of management will get assistance in cleaning up priority garbage under the rebate program.
The program, part of the Victorian Government’s $21.5 million campaign against illegal dumping, will be administered by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
The Illegal Dumping Taskforce will receive $13 million as part of a commitment to boost monitoring, enforcement and cleanup initiatives throughout the state in a bid to catch more people flouting the law. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will lead the taskforce.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said: “Too often councils and public land managers are left with a costly mess to clean up from the actions of wrong-doers. This rebate scheme provides support to help cover these costs and keep our suburbs and towns clean”.
Illegal dumping can be reported to the EPA on 1300 372 842.
For more information about the rebate program, visit www.environment.vic.gov.au/grants/illegal-dumping-clean-up-rebate