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The Chief Minister Paul Henderson today announced the Northern Territory will introduce a cash for containers scheme to reduce litter and boost recycling efforts.

 

 “Cash for containers will make the Territory cleaner and greener – it will reduce litter by rewarding people who do the right thing,” Mr Henderson said.

 

“This Government has always supported a national approach to legislation providing cash for containers but I’ve been disappointed with the slow progress. I’m not prepared to wait further.

 

“I’m taking the lead and hope other states will follow.

 

“My Government has made the commitment in principle to adopt cash for containers legislation by 2011 provided it is financially viable, legally sound and can deliver in both urban and remote centres.

 

“That’s why I have set up a reference group to further explore those three criteria, and report back to Government in July.”

 

The Environment Minister Alison Anderson will chair the reference group, which will include Fannie Bay MLA Michael Gunner and the Independent Member for Nelson Gerry Wood.

 

Ms Anderson said the NT’s scheme will be modelled on South Australia’s container deposit legislation where cans, bottles and cartons attract a 10c refund.

 

“The results in South Australia clearly show cash for containers is a success. In other states beverage containers typically contribute up to 40% - 50% of litter by volume – in South Australia they contribute less than 20% by volume,” she said.

 

 “I don’t pretend the scheme is going to fix all our litter problems but it’s very effective for what it targets.

 

“It gets litter off the streets and money into the pockets of people who do the right thing. It gives kids and community groups a chance to raise funds and we can show a clean green image to visitors who come to share our unique environment and lifestyle.”

 

The Independent Member for Nelson Gerry Wood said he is simply rapt that after nearly 20 years of trying, a Northern Territory Government has finally bitten the bullet and announced a program that will do great things for the Territory environment and the community.

 

He thanked the many other people who have fought hard for this day especially the late George Brown (Lord Mayor of Darwin) and the late Andy McNeil (Mayor of Alice Springs), Jim Forscutt (former Mayor of Katherine), Lorna Woods (ex KAB), Merv Myer (Shoal Bay recycling) and the previous Independent Member for Braitling Loraine Braham.

 

Mr Wood said it was a day for celebration and he congratulated the Government, the Chief Minister and the Environment Minister on the announcement.

 

 

Media contact: Geoff Fraser (Chief Minister) 0407 360256

Shannon McRae (Minister Anderson) 0419 340735

Related files:
090311 Cash for Containers.pdf ( 721.29 kb )