2016-02-29
The Queensland Labor Government must urgently re-introduce a waste management levy to stop Queensland being treated as a dumping ground by other states.
As reported on today, about 10 per cent of Queensland's landfill last year came from other states where waste management levies exist.
"The Labor Government is letting Queensland be treated as a rubbish tip by other states and it stinks," Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and environment spokesperson, said.
"We're footing their clean-up bill and dealing with the environmental consequences of landfill emissions, land contamination and rubbish escaping tips and getting into our waterways and parks.
"Having a waste management levy in place encourages recycling and reduces pollution, and yet Campbell Newman scrapped it to pander to self-interested pleas from polluting businesses.
"Although there was a waste management levy under the Bligh Government, after Newman scrapped it Labor failed to commit to reintroducing it - and as a result rubbish is pouring in from other states.
"On the weekend many Queenslanders will get out and volunteer for Clean Up Australia Day but their hard work will be undermined by the government letting Queensland be treated as a dumping ground," Senator Waters said.