Page 537 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 19 February 2020
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Government Services and Procurement) (5.13): As a member for Yerrabi, I am pleased to speak today about how this government is protecting our environment and public spaces from litter and waste. The illegal dumping of waste near charity bins on roadsides, near ponds and waterways and on vacant blocks is unacceptable. We know this waste has the potential to cause financial impacts to local charity providers as well as cause harm to our environment and public spaces.
The government understands the need to respond to this illegal activity, which is why last year Minister Steel introduced the Litter Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 in the Assembly. As a result of the bill passing through this place, the government has been able to strengthen powers for authorities to hold individuals and businesses accountable if they illegally dump waste or litter.
WorkSafe ACT also has powers to respond to the illegal dumping of building waste that contains dangerous substances such as asbestos. Maximum penalties for illegally disposing of asbestos-containing material as outlined by the Dangerous Substances Act 2004 and the WHS regulations are $6,000 for an individual and $30,000 for a corporation. These penalties send a strong signal to those on building sites that dangerous substances cannot be left lying around, and these penalties protect our community from the harm of this kind of waste.
It is important to address the issue of litter and waste in our community. I would like to acknowledge that some residents in Gungahlin’s newer suburbs have expressed their concerns to me regarding waste from residential construction sites. Residents in Moncrieff raised concerns with me in 2008. As a result of this, I wrote to the Minister for Housing and Suburban Development to request that more be done to ensure that residential construction sites are held responsible.
The government responded to my request, and I understand that rangers and staff from TCCS monitored the issues within Moncrieff and took action to remove this waste. The minister also wrote to the MBA and the HIA to request that they remind their members of their obligations. This action from the government was not just a one-off; our city rangers do an incredible job of keeping our city clean and ensuring that our public spaces are useable and accessible.
As Minister Steel highlighted, this government has increased the resources for inspection and enforcement action to prevent illegal dumping across Canberra. This investment will go a long way in keeping our city clean and reducing the risks that dumped waste can have on people in our community and the environment.
It is important to acknowledge that illegal dumping sometimes occurs because people find it a much easier option than disposing of the waste properly. That is why this government has developed several new initiatives to reduce this behaviour, as well as improving waste collection services for all Canberrans.
The green waste collection service, which I know has been very well received by Belconnen and Gungahlin residents, assists people in disposing of garden waste and clippings and has significantly reduced the amount of green waste sent to landfill as well as illegal dumping in nature reserves and roadsides. In addition to the green
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