UPDATE December 2006

Since we published the Community Litter Report, lots of people have wanted further information or have wanted to express support for the campaign. We will now try to keep the AFROCAB website informed about our activities and any developments.

A) EVENTS

1. Launch of Community Litter Report

The Community Litter Report was launched by Russell Savage MP and Craig Ingram MP, the two Independents in the Victorian Parliament at that time. Russell Savage and Craig Ingram both spoke of their long term support for Container Deposit Legislation. They said there was a need for government action to encourage more recycling of drink containers and less drink container litter.

We were very pleased to have our special guests Ted Kelly and Graham Eadie present.

Ted Kelly has, for over 20 years, organized the collection of cans at the Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington. In this time he has raised over $100,000. for the charities that help out. Graham Eadie has written articles in support of Container Deposit Legislation since the 1970’s. He also coordinates the clean up team in his local community.

There were various political representatives present, all from the minor parties, as well as supporters from Friends groups.The event was held on the banks of the Yarra, in Melbourne, on a sunny Spring day, October 4.

2. Rally for Refunds

At Southbank, on November 11th, kayakers towing thousands of floating plastic bottles behind them, advertised their desire for a refund scheme, to counter the damage done in water environments by discarded drink containers.

Banners, held by supporters on land, also announced the need for a refund scheme:

‘5 cents in SA, why not in Vic?’

It was heartening to have so many passers-by expressing their support.

We plan to have another rally in the Autumn and would welcome any new participants.

1. Newspoll Survey

In October we commissioned Newspoll to survey public opinion in Victoria, regarding a refund scheme for cans and bottles.

The survey, conducted amongst 300 Victorians, found that a vast majority, 94%, are in favour of the State Government introducing a refund scheme for bottles and cans in Victoria.

The 94% consisted of 77% who were strongly in favour and 17% who were partly in favour. Only 3% of Victorians were against the container deposit and refund scheme and a further 3% didn’t have an opinion.

More than 80% of the respondents thought their fellow Victorians would be likely to return their empty bottles if there was a 5 cent refund per container. This increased to 97% if the refund was 10 cents per container and 99% if the refund was 20 cents.

2. Presentation

Peter Cook gave a presentation to GLADE about the Community Litter Report and the campaign

C) DEVELOPMENTS

1. Western Australia

After the WA government announced its intention to introduce a container deposit system, a committee was set up to investigate the details of the system for WA. The report from this group is due early in the New Year.

2. The Municipal Association of Victoria

At the State Council meeting of the MAV in 2005, the MAV called on the State Government and the Packaging Covenant Council to finance an independent investigation into Container Deposit Legislation for Victoria, to be completed before the 2008 Covenant review. So far it seems that nothing has been done about this investigation.

3. Liberal Party Policy

On October 15, Ted Baillieu announced that if elected to government, the Liberal Party would introduce a 5 cent deposit and refund scheme for cans and bottles, similar to the system in South Australia.

(The Age Poll On October 16 The Age held a readers poll, asking, “Would you support the introduction of a 5 cent refund for cans, bottles and plastic containers?” From the 632 votes 78% said Yes and 22% said No.)

4. Are You Being Bought by Coca Cola?

The Scouts in Victoria would be a major beneficiary if we had Container Deposit legislation here in Victoria. South Australia’s Scouts raise a million dollars each year, enabling their membership fees to be the lowest in Australia.

We wrote to Scouts Victoria in February 2005 and received a reasonably positive response. Letters and Emails since, have had no response. We wonder if the reason can be found in The Age, on November 15:

Coca Cola is the major sponsor of the annual Australian Scouts Jamboree in January. We question the appropriateness of Scouts accepting this sponsorship, given that it probably will influence their public openness about the benefits of Container Deposit Legislation, even though they could be the greatest beneficiary of a container deposit system Coca Cola may be able buy off some previous supporters of Container Deposit Legislation, but it will not end the support for CDL at the grass roots level. Many Scout leaders still see CDL as a great way to raise much needed funds, as well as being a way to keep our community and environment litter free.

5. The State Elections

Other Parties in Victoria support Container Deposit Legislation, but the Labor Party remains opposed. We await news of which Party has the balance of power in the Upper House. If it is the Greens, there still is hope.

6. Announcement by Minister Thwaites

Back in April, following the negotiation of recycling targets for the National Packaging Covenant II, Minister Thwaites announced, on April 14, that “if these targets aren’t met, we would have to consider measures such as container deposits or other measures to drive further recycling.” And “if progress under the Covenant was unsatisfactory, the State and Commonwealth should be prepared to implement alternative policies such as container deposits or packaging levies.”

We don’t want to wait until 2008 when the Covenant is being reviewed. The refund system is needed now. Billions of containers are accumulating, polluting waterways and being wasted in landfill now.

D) THE ROAD AHEAD

It is still important to keep writing to your local Member of Parliament and your local Council representative about this issue. Even though the replies don’t always address the points you raise, it does make politicians and their staff notice if lots of letters are coming in.

We have tried petitions, meetings with government officials/staff, media events, etc. Only lots and lots of public pressure can possibly convince government that it is in their electoral interest to put community and environment ahead of powerful corporate interests with this issue.

Bumper Stickers

We have bumper stickers which say, ‘Cans and bottles litter Australia. Bring back a bottle refund.’Cost $1.00 Email your address so we can send you one.

Thanks to all those who have helped with the campaign or Emailed messages of support.All the best for the Festive Season and keep those letters happening.

P & M Cook.