Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea is encouraging councils, land managers and community groups to help stop illegal dumpers in their tracks by applying for funding in the NSW Government’s third round of Combatting Illegal Dumping Clean-Up and Prevention Grants.
Mr O’Dea said $686,000 in funding would be available across three categories:
- Illegal dumping, clean-up and prevention projects: Grants of $50,000 – $150,000 each for local government and public land managers to clean-up and prevent illegal dumping.
- Illegal dumping, clean-up and prevention community partnerships: Grants of up to $50,000 each for community groups in partnership with councils or a public land manager to clean-up and prevent illegal dumping.
- Gathering illegal dumping data: Grants of up to $20,000 each for councils and public land managers to collect data to determine the extent of illegal dumping.
“Illegal dumping is not only ugly but it can also cause harm to our environment and even affect our health in extreme circumstances,” Mr O’Dea said.
“The NSW Government awarded more than $3 million to 52 projects in the first two rounds of the grant program. These projects have so far helped get more than 2,300 tonnes of waste and 192 tonnes of asbestos off our streets, but we can do more,” Mr O’Dea said.
“These grants are available to help clean up existing illegal dumping sites as well as install deterrents such as fences, signs and cameras to prevent dumping from occurring.”
Applications close on Friday 18 March 2016.
Environment Minister, Mark Speakman said the NSW Government has dedicated $58 million to tackle illegal dumping as part of the $465.7 million Waste Less Recycle More initiative.
Waste Less Recycle More is a five year program that includes funding for business recycling, managing problem wastes, new waste infrastructure, councils and programs to tackle illegal dumping and litter.
For more information, visit: epa.nsw.gov.au/wastegrants/combat-illegal-dump.htm.
