Doing their bit to clean up Moree’s Cooee Park, with Moree Plains Shire Council’s Waste Support Officer Dayna Walker, left, Director of Planning and Community Development Angus Witherby and Miray Birray team members Nicholas Binge, Michael Kirk, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Selwyn Benge and James Smith, kneeling left, and Brandon Saunders.
Tuesday, 16 March 2021
THE State Government has teamed up with Moree Plains Shire Council to tackle illegal dumping across the district, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $90,852 grant for a number of community clean up and public awareness projects.
Mr Marshall said there was general shift within the Moree Plains to be a shire with clean streets that look welcoming and demonstrate ‘town pride’.
“The Keeping the Moree Plains Shire Clean project is a big step forward in tackling unsightly illegal dumping which has plagued parts of the community in the past,” Mr Marshall said.
“Over the next 12 months initiatives such as community clean ups targeting excess household waste will be undertaken, while signage, surveillance and enforcement at known dumping hotspots will be increased.
“Education will play a part in the program with marketing campaigns to engage and educate residents how to dispose of different waste streams for free without dumping it.
“Activates will also address asbestos awareness, helping the community understand the risks asbestos poses during home DIYs and how to dispose of the dangerous building material correctly and safety.
“I want to congratulate council for the steps it’s already taking to reduce waste in the community such as free domestic waste disposal at landfills and two kerbside bulky waste collections per year – both are better options than dumping.
“This funding is an opportunity to embrace changing attitudes around waste and environmental sustainability, as well as educate and work with those in the community who can do more to prevent further illegal dumping.”
Moree Plains Shire Council is contributing $98,572 to the project, bringing the investment to almost $190,000.
Council’s Waste Manager Victoria Dawson said changing behaviours around illegal dumping was the first step towards a clean shire.
“Activities like community clean ups are a great way for residents to get engaged on waste issues, work together and tidy up their homes and neighbourhood,” Ms Dawson said.
“It will also help make our streets safer, deterring people from dumping nasty chemicals or dangerous materials such as asbestos in public places.
“Undertaking clean ups and preventing further occurrences in our high value environmental areas, such as along the Mehi River bank, will deliver improved environmental outcomes.
“By properly disposing unwanted items, we reduce the amount of household waste that could end up getting dumped illegally on the streets and public places.”