Labor Member for Werribee Tim Pallas MP today welcomed the Andrews Labor Government’s announcement of $700,000 Litter Innovation Fund to help communities reduce the amount of litter and illegal dumping in Victoria.

Grants of up to $20,000 will be available for local government, industry, and community groups to submit innovative solutions that tackle local and regional litter problems.

“Victoria is Australia’s least littered state, and we want to retain that lead by finding new and innovative ways to manage an issue that impacts communities throughout the state,” XX said

A proportion of the Fund has been specifically allocated to support projects that help reduce litter and illegal dumping in the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay catchment.

The funding is part of a broader strategy, the draft Victorian Community and Business Waste Education Strategy, which will help keep more waste out of landfill by increasing recycling and reducing contamination.

“Different regions have different needs when it comes to litter prevention and clean-up. This fund aims to encourage and support communities to think differently about how they address these challenges.”

“The strategy will help communities and businesses better understand the benefits – environmental, social and economic – of increased recycling and reducing our reliance on landfill, as well the need for a well-managed waste system.”

It aims to establish clear priorities to help communities and businesses focus their waste education efforts where they will have the most impact and deliver a co-ordinated, state-wide approach for the first time in Victoria.

The government is seeking community feedback on the draft strategy, released for consultation today, over the coming months. The draft strategy and information about opportunities to provide feedback are available at participate.sustainability.vic.gov.au.

Expressions of Interest for the Litter Innovation Fund close 24 February 2016. For more information and to apply, visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au.