Media Releases
5 June 2020
Victorian schools have been recognised for their environmental achievements in a special online ceremony for this year’s ResourceSmart School Awards.
Mount Waverley Primary School has been named the 2020 ResourceSmart School of the Year for inspiring the local community and other schools to act on climate change and biodiversity conservation.
Other winners include Mentone Primary School, Coburg North Primary School, Viewbank College, Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, Melbourne Girls College, MacKillop Catholic Regional College, St Columba’s Primary School, and Lowanna College.
31 May 2020
Gippsland - Get To Know Your Recycling
Many of us are spending more time at home at the moment and, like most, you may be cooking more, ordering things online and receiving more deliveries than usual. This means you are likely to end up with a lot more waste than you normally have.
You may also find yourself and members of your household wondering which is the right bin to put everything in.
According to Matthew Peake, Executive Officer for Resource Recovery Gippsland, knowing what can and can’t go into each of your bins will help make sure that what you sort for recycling is not contaminated with items that can’t be recycled.
24 May 2020
Statement From The Premier
The whole way through this pandemic, our advice to Victorians has remained the same: “stay home”. Now, as we begin to settle into a new normal, our message is “stay safe”.
That means maintaining your physical distance. Using common sense. And as we ease restrictions, each of us playing our part to keep one another safe.
With the rate of community transmission remaining low, and the rate of testing remaining high, we’re in a position to make a number of additional changes.
11 May 2020
Statement From The Premier
Over the past two weeks, we’ve tested more than 160,000 Victorians for coronavirus. I want to thank each and every one of them for playing their part in protecting our state.
The job isn’t done yet – and that size and scale of testing will continue to be a big part of our response in the weeks and months to come. But because of that initial data, we’ve been able to get a better understanding of the way the virus is moving through our community. And with it, greater insight into how we can respond.
Today – thanks to the efforts of Victorians – I can announce our cautious next steps.
6 May 2020
Helping The Sector Manage The Challenges Of Business As Usual
Resource Recovery Gippsland joins with Victoria’s six other waste and resource recovery groups (WRRG) as part of the WRRG COVID-19 Working Group. The group is helping the waste and resource recovery sector manage the challenges of waste and resource recovery during a time of uncertainty.
The working group has been in regular contact with councils to understand their waste contingency planning and to identify issues that are impacting their waste services.
The group is also considering the future viability of exporting recyclables and the potential need to landfill kerbside recyclables if export markets no longer accept our materials. Information gathered by the working group is being provided to DELWP, other portfolio partners and the Minister to inform decision making.
2 March 2020
Using Recycled First For Greener Transport Infrastructure
Victoria will soon be home to some of Australia’s most sustainable infrastructure, with the Andrews Labor Government’s Recycled First program to boost the use of recycled and reused materials in construction projects.
Victoria’s Big Build is delivering more than 100 major road and rail projects across the state, which provides an opportunity to drive significant change in the reuse of construction waste material.
The Big Build is already creating more than 15,000 local jobs – and the Recycled First program will boost employment even further.
26 February 2020
Ten-Year Plan To Boost Recycling, Reduce Waste And Create Jobs
The Andrews Labor Government today released its circular economy strategy – Recycling Victoria – a 10-year plan that will completely overhaul Victoria’s recycling sector, create 3,900 jobs and reduce waste going to landfill.
The more than $300 million package brings together a suite of landmark reforms, dedicated to shifting Victoria to a circular economy, including a statewide four-bin recycling system, a container deposit scheme and nearly $100 million to support businesses, drive innovation and create local jobs.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced today that the strategy also includes $71.4 million to tackle waste crime and keep Victorians safe, with more resources to stop illegal dumping and stockpiling, and deal with high-risk sites and high-risk substances.
25 February 2020
Creating Jobs, Driving Investment And Reducing Waste
As part of its complete overhaul of Victoria’s recycling system, the Andrews Labor Government is delivering investment for the recycling industry, driving innovation, reducing waste and creating the next generation of jobs.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the next step in building a home-grown and lasting recycling system for Victoria.
Nearly $100 million will drive research, expand the local processing and manufacturing industry, create more products from recyclable materials and support new local jobs.
24 February 2020
Transforming Recycling In Victoria
Victoria will have a container deposit scheme and households will get a new fourth bin, as part of a plan to reduce waste going to landfill by 80 per cent in ten years with a massive overhaul of the state’s waste and recycling system by the Andrews Labor Government.
With widespread disruption to global recycling markets, Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the first in a suite of new policies under the Recycling Victoria package, designed to position Victoria as a leader in reusing, reducing and recycling waste.
12 February 2020
Tackling E-Waste In A Safe And Sustainable Way
The Andrews Labor Government is strengthening Victoria’s collection, storage and reprocessing of electronic goods so valuable resources such as precious metals and plastics can be reused or made into new products.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced up to $2 million in grants are available to local councils and industry to improve e-waste infrastructure across the state.
This new round of funding will focus on building e-waste reprocessing capability and capacity, while continuing to ensure the collection of e-waste is conducted to the highest standard.
9 February 2020
Funding Projects To Boost Plastics Recycling
The Morrison Government is driving Australia’s waste-recycling industry forward, investing almost $20 million in a series of projects which will create new jobs, grow our economy and help our environment.
Nine projects which will see Australia reduce its plastic waste and boost plastics recycling are being funded as part of round 8 of the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-Ps).
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the projects showed the great economic opportunities in waste recycling.
“Not only are these projects helping to ensure Australia has a more sustainable and prosperous future by reducing the impact of plastics on our environment, they are also opening further opportunities for new jobs,” Minister Andrews said.
23 January 2020
Immediate Support For Victoria’s Wildlife And Biodiversity
The Andrews Labor Government is taking immediate action to support Victoria’s bushfire impacted wildlife and biodiversity with a $17.5 million initial rescue package to assist in recovery efforts.
The recent bushfires have had an unprecedented impact on Victoria’s flora and fauna. The funding announced today will support a range of urgent actions necessary to give our treasured plants and animals the best chance of survival – including critical habitat restoration, predator and pest control, and immediate salvage operations.
It will be targeted to those species most at risk, including the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby – Victoria’s most endangered mammal – Long-footed Potaroo and Large Brown Tree Frog.
It’s estimated 185 of Victoria’s species, many of them rare and threatened, have already been impacted by the fire emergency.
19 January 2020
Immediate Bushfire Clean-Up At Zero Cost To Communities
Victorians who have had their homes, shops and sheds destroyed in this season’s bushfires can have their properties cleaned up at no cost, so communities can start rebuilding as soon as possible.
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville announced today the fast, fully-funded and far-reaching 2020 Clean-up Program.
The Victoria and Commonwealth Governments will jointly provide up to $75 million for the program to demolish, remove and safely dispose of all buildings destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
Insured and uninsured property owners won’t be required to contribute to the cost of the program.
This eases the pressure on families who have endured the loss of property and cuts out complex red tape that could delay rebuilding or discourage participation. The voluntary program is open to all affected property owners.
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said this is an important step on the path to recovery.
14 January 2020
Landfill Levy Waived For Bushfire Victims
As Victorians begin returning to their homes and land following the recent bushfires, the Andrews Labor Government will make sure people can dispose of their bushfire waste without paying the landfill levy.
Bushfire waste includes the debris from homes, businesses, sheds, stock, fencing and equipment that have been damaged. The levy waiver will also make it easier for people to dispose of dead livestock.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) will work with landfill operators and councils in fire-affected areas to apply for the exemption. If residents or business owners have any questions or concerns about bushfire waste clean up and disposal they can contact EPA for further information.
This practical support follows other initial measures being put in place to help the recovery and rebuilding of local communities.
Businesses, families, and individuals whose properties have been destroyed or substantially damaged by bushfires will receive ex-gratia relief for their 2020 land tax assessment. Land tax will be also be waived on eligible properties being used to provide free accommodation for people who need it.
6 January 2020
New Dedicated Agency To Guide Bushfire Recovery
A new permanent dedicated agency will work directly with local communities impacted by our state’s devastating bushfires, as we begin the long process of rebuilding and recovery.
The new Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) will be wholly focused on the needs of Victorian communities, working closely with locals to ensure that rehabilitation projects are both locally-driven and locally-delivered.
Recognising the lengthy process of recovery – in addition to the increased risk our state faces due to longer and hotter bushfire seasons – the work of BRV will be permanent and ongoing. That includes a commitment to supporting any Victorian communities impacted by future bushfires.
5 January 2020
Dedicated Fund To Support Victorian Bushfire Survivors
Following a generous outpouring of support from across the state, the Victorian Government has today launched a new fund dedicated to helping Victorians impacted by the recent and devastating bushfires.
Established in partnership with the Bendigo Bank Community Enterprise Foundation and the Salvation Army, the new Victorian Bushfire Appeal will provide practical support as these Victorians begin to rebuild their lives.
The use of funds will help to meet the most urgent needs of local families – covering the cost of everything from a grocery shop to replacing school uniforms.
The Appeal will also help address the most immediate priorities of communities, including the rescue and rehabilitation of local wildlife.
2 January 2020
Victorian Government Declares A State Of Disaster
Premier Daniel Andrews has declared a State of Disaster for six Local Government Areas and the Alpine Resorts, after considering advice from the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Commissioner.
The Premier is satisfied there is an emergency that constitutes, or is likely to constitute, a significant and widespread danger to life or property in the following part of Victoria:
- East Gippsland Shire
- Mansfield Shire
- Wellington Shire
- Wangaratta Rural Shire
- Towong Shire
- Alpine Shire
- Mount Butler
- Mount Hotham
- Mount Stirling Alpine Resorts
Conditions are expected to deteriorate from tomorrow and the Government’s priority is the safety of Victorians.
31 December 2019
EPA Approves Loy Yang Landfill Espansion
Following a public consultation and engagement process, Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has assessed and granted a works approval application for an extension to Latrobe City Council’s Hyland Highway Loy Yang Landfill.
The proposed extension at the municipal site creates four new landfill cells within the premise’s current boundaries. Under the council’s proposal, landfilling will occur up to February 2033, consistent with the council’s planning permission.
The proposed area was previously approved for landfilling but was reduced at the request of the council. The Loy Yang Landfill is an EPA licensed site.
31 December 2019
Taskforce To Help Fire Affected Communities Recover
The Andrews Labor Government will establish a Bushfire Response and Recovery Taskforce to support communities and help them rebuild from the devastating fires still burning in the east of the state.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Emergency Services Lisa Neville announced the Taskforce, which will be chaired by Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp and include senior officials from all key government departments and agencies.
More than 300 fires have burnt through the north east and east of Victoria over the past 24-48 hours, with hundreds fleeing to relief centres and community assembly points in Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Mallacoota and Eden.
17 December 2019
Applications open for Australian Recycling Investment Fund
The Federal Government is inviting applications for the newly established Australian Recycling Investment Fund.
According to Environment Minister Sussan Ley, the fund will support projects that increase recycling rates, turn waste into valuable products and encourage innovation.
“Australians want to be confident that when we put things in our recycling bin, or deliver them to a collection centre, that they will be recycled and not dumped in landfill or simply sent overseas. That is why we committed to the Australian Recycling Investment Fund at the 2019 election, and today we are delivering,” Ms Ley said.
Read the full Waste Management Review article…
8 November 2019
VICTORIA LEADS CALL FOR URGENT WASTE FUNDING FROM FEDS
The Andrews Labor Government is calling for an urgent national funding plan to ensure the states are ready for the waste export ban when it is implemented next year.
The National Meeting of Environment Ministers in Adelaide today reached an agreement to ban the export of particular categories of waste from 1 July 2020 with a phased approach.
8 November 2019
RETHINK, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE - National Recycling Week
Recycling is a key activity in managing waste responsibly. But, when it’s combined with three other components to become the 4Rs - Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – it becomes a very effective way for each of us to maximise our resources and minimise waste.
1 November 2019
RESOURCE RECOVERY NEW BOARD MEMBER
With maximising resources and minimising waste at the forefront of public interest locally, nationally and globally Kerryn Schrank, Resource Recovery Gippsland’s most recently appointed Board Director, is joining the sector at a transformative time.
1 November 2019
VICTORIA'S SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAG BAN STARTS
The Andrews Government has delivered on its commitment to ban single-use plastic shopping bags in Victoria, reducing plastic pollution and helping protect the environment.
From today, single-use plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less are banned from all retail outlets, including supermarkets, fashion stores, fast food outlets, pharmacies, service stations and many more.
24 October 2019
PLANTING THE SEEDS FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT
Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio today visited Gippsland school students who are working hard to reduce their environmental impact through the Andrew Labor Government’s ResourceSmart Schools program.
Budding gardeners at Morwell Central Primary School have planted vegetable and sensory gardens and set up worm farms as they strive to create a more sustainable environment for future generations.
8 October 2019
YINNAR SOUTH 5-STAR RESOURCESMART SCHOOL
Stars are shining brightly at Yinnar South Primary School, a school leading the way in Gippsland when it comes to a curriculum and school yard rich in sustainability, fun and practical lessons for life.
8 October 2019
PREPARING FOR THE VICTORIAN BAG BAN
Gippsland retailers are preparing for the upcoming state-wide ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags. The ban, due to commence from 1 November 2019, will include compostable, degradable and biodegradable plastics.
7 October 2019
FUNDING BOOST TO CLOSE THE LOOP ON RECYCLING
The Andrews Labor Government is kick-starting the development of new ways to use recycled materials and reduce waste. Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today visited Green Bear Recycling’s resource recovery facility in Tottenham, which converts construction waste from housing into materials that can be used to build houses – creating a closed loop.
18 September 2019
SUBMISSIONS OPEN ON LATROBE LANDFILL EXPANSION
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is assessing a works approval application for an extension to Latrobe City Council’s Hyland Highway Landfill.
The proposed extension at the municipal site would create four new landfill cells within the premise’s current boundary of the site to provide an additional nine years landfilling at the site.
04 September 2019
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victoria’s 79 councils deliver vital community projects across the state through a new low-cost loan scheme.
Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek today announced the $100 million Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme, which will provide councils with access to low interest rate loans of between $500,000 and $10 million.
28 August 2019
OPLE PILOT SOARS INTO NEW TERRITORY
Ten council areas from Baw Baw to Ballarat will receive extra assistance to tackle local pollution issues with the expansion of the Officer for the Protection of the Local Environment (OPLE) pilot project.
In May, the Victorian Government provided $3.4 million to the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) to expand the successful pilot until June 2020.
27 August 2019
EXTRA FUNDS BOOST SUSTAINABILITY IN SCHOOLS
Frog bogs, chooks, water efficiencies and trash puppets are just some of exciting initiatives put forward by schools in Gippsland to further sustainability.
Thirteen ResourceSmart Schools across Gippsland have shared in $13,000 of funding to help them become more sustainable.
27 August 2019
MORE SUPPORT FOR VICTORIA'S RECYCLING SECTOR
The Andrews Labor Government is taking further action to support Victoria’s recycling sector, with a $10 million loan to SKM’s receivers KordaMentha to help clean-up SKM sites and resume waste processing. At the same time the Government is beginning the process to overhaul kerbside recycling.
The $10 million loan will help clear waste stockpiles and fund essential maintenance work to get SKM’s plants back up and running, while meeting strict environmental and safety standards.
23 August 2019
ACTION PLAN TO REDUCE LITTER & ILLEGAL DUMPING
Finding out about what's important to Gippslanders when it comes to litter and illegal dumping is a priority in Resource Recovery Gippsland's development of a Regional Litter and Illegal Dumping Plan.
Ask anyone about litter and illegal dumping and they usually have a story to tell because litter and illegal dumping affect all of us in some way. Gathering this information is a key component in the collection of quantitative and qualitative data for the development of a plan to reduce and prevent litter and dumping in Gippsland.
13 August 2019
A GREENER RECYCLING INDUSTRY
The Morrison Government is taking practical steps toward a cleaner environment with a new $20 million commitment for innovative projects to grow our domestic recycling industry.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the funding was part of his Government’s commitment to work with the states to establish a timetable to ban the export of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres.
12 August 2019
WORK UNDERWAY TO OVERHAUL VICTORIA’S RECYCLING SYSTEM
The Andrews Labor Government will tackle ongoing waste management issues with $11.3 million to provide immediate financial relief to councils and invest in infrastructure to improve the quality of 100,000 tonnes of recycled materials.
26 July 2019
GIPPSLAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT WASTE FORUM
Valuing waste as a resource and focusing on resource recovery is vital to sustainability and makes sense for Gippsland.
These priorities not only bring with them environmental and social benefits but are key to the region moving toward a circular economy.
19 July 2019
SHARE YOUR VIEWS ON LITTER AND ILLEGAL DUMPING
Ask anyone about litter and illegal dumping and they usually have a story to tell because litter and illegal dumping affect all of us in some way.
18 July 2019
OPENING A NEW RECYCLING FACILITY IN MELBOURNE'S WEST
A new recycling facility in Melbourne’s west will process 39,000 tonnes of recycled paper a year, thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
18 July 2019
NEW HOME FOR GARDS Volunteers And Members
Gippsland Asbestos Related Diseases Support Inc. now has a new home to continue doing their important work supporting Latrobe Valley workers, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
16 July 2019
EXTRA FUNDS BOOST SUSTAINABILITY IN SCHOOLS
Frog bogs, chooks, water efficiencies and trash puppets are just some of exciting initiatives put forward by schools in Gippsland to further sustainability.
ResourceSmart Schools across Gippsland have shared in $11,000 of funding to help them become more sustainable.
8 July 2019
CIRCULAR ECONOMY TO STRENGTHEN OUR RECYCLING SECTOR
The Andrews Labor Government is taking the next step towards developing a circular economy that maximises the reuse of materials and reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
28 June 2019
CLEANING UP COUNCIL RECYCLING CONTRACTS
The Andrews Labor Government is cutting red tape to help local councils deliver better, more sustainable kerbside collection services to their communities now and in the future.
24 June 2019
FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR RECYCLED PLASTIC RAILWAY SLEEPERS
Trains travelling through Richmond will now be running on railway sleepers made from recycled plastic as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s war on waste.
21 June 2019
WHAT IS E-WASTE
E-waste is growing three times faster than any other municipal waste in Australia - a result of increased technology trends, reduced product lifespan and consumer demand for new products.
19 June 2019
BANNING THE BAG TO REDUCE PLASTIC POLLUTION
Lightweight, single-use plastic shopping bags will be banned across Victoria from 1 November this year, under new legislation introduced to parliament today by the Andrews Labor Government.
11 June 2019
BOOSTING VICTORIA'S E-WASTE COLLECTION NETWORK
Disposing of e-waste will soon be easier than ever, with Officeworks helping to boost the number of collection sites available across Victoria, ahead of the e-waste to landfill ban starting on 1 July 2019.
2 June 2019
STRENGTHENING VICTORIA'S RECYCLING INDUSTRY
The Andrews Labor Government is tackling the challenges facing the recycling industry and helping to reduce plastic pollution with a new $34.9 million package of recycling reforms.
29 May 2019
E-WASTE BAN 1 JULY WILL MAXIMISE RESOURCES
Gippsland is preparing for the Victorian Government’s upcoming ban on e-waste to landfill.
Download the pdf to find out more about the E-waste Ban.
24 May 2019
JUNIOR LANDCARE AND BIODIVERSITY GRANTS - NOW OPEN
The Andrews Labor Government is empowering young people to care for and protect the environment with the latest round of the Junior Landcare and Biodiversity grants now open.
15 May 2019
IMPROVED LANDFILL MANAGEMENT TRAINING – June 12 & 13
Resource Recovery Gippsland and the Centre for Environmental Training are offering a training opportunity to those in the waste management and resource recovery sector.
Download the pdf to read about Improved Landfill Management.
16 April 2019
GIPPSWIDE KERBSIDE – EOI OPPORTUNITY FOR INDUSTRY
Gippsland is seeking to maximise resource recovery and minimise the volume of waste going to landfill by providing a unique commercial opportunity known as Gippswide Kerbside.
Download the pdf to find out more about Gippswide Kerbside.
15 April 2019
NEW ELECTRONIC TRACKING SYSTEM FOR WASTE SECTOR
Chemical waste will be electronically monitored from July this year, under an Andrews Labor Government crackdown on the illegal storage of hazardous material.
26 March 2019
FUNDING BOOST FOR RECYCLING RECOVERY PROJECTS
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Victorian businesses and councils to improve their recycling practices and expand their operations to recover valuable products and reduce waste going to landfill.
11 March 2019
LANDFILL LEVY WAIVED FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS
The Andrews Labor Government has waived the landfill levy to help Victorians in the east recover from bushfires.
6 March 2019
SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY RECENT BUSHFIRES
Emergency Relief Assistance grants of up to $540 per adult or $270 for children are available for eligible households for items like accommodation, food and clothing.
Relief payments totalling more than $499,917 have already been made to 406 households requiring urgent assistance.
GIPPSLAND EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND - Community Aid
The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) has launched an appeal for donations to help provide immediate support to those in our community who have lost their homes or property in the recent and ongoing Gippsland fires.
4 March 2019
GIPPSLANDERS CONTINUE RECYCLING
There is a strong and clear message encouraging Gippslanders to continue their great track record with recycling across the region.
Download the pdf to find out more.
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Seasons Greetings
Rethink. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Find out about our E-waste, RightCycle and ResourceSmart Schools sustainability programs.