The Western Australian Government has committed almost $7million over a five year period to help local governments increase rates of recycling and reduce waste going to landfill.

 

The money will go to the Local Government Strategic Waste Management - Regional Funding Program 2010/2015 (RFP) - a major initiative developed through the Waste Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation.

 

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said it was a direct outcome of the Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme, which supports groups of local governments working together towards better waste management.

 

“Activities undertaken by council collectives through the RFP include collaborative arrangements that make use of the common infrastructure and operational costs of collecting and processing waste, as well as diverting recyclates from landfill,” Mr Marmion said.

 

“The five year period is an important aspect of the program as it allows regional groups adequate time to plan and implement worthwhile projects, many of which have far-reaching consequences for other structural related activities and capital investment.”

 

The program will be run in three stages:

 

  • Phase 1:  A fixed funding stage over the years one and two, where regional groups are allocated a fixed amount based on the number of local governments in the group, regional needs and population.
  • Phase 2:  A competitive bid funding stream over years three and four where regional groups will compete for funds for projects which demonstrate best value for money.
  • Phase 3:  The fifth and final year of the program will be for implementation, completion and reporting of funded projects.

 

Councils who wish to apply for funding first need to group themselves with other regional councils - for example those with similar waste management issues.  The scheme will help them organise their resources to deliver the maximum benefit to their individual communities.

 

The scheme commences on July 1.