ALGA has provided a submission to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water’s (DCCEEW) Reform of Packaging Regulations Consultation Paper.

The submission said local government plays a crucial role in diverting waste from landfills, especially as Australia’s waste is a growing problem that has broad impacts for local communities.

In the last decade, the amount of waste generated in Australia has increased by around 12 per cent. This is compounded by low levels of recycling with Australia’s recycling rate below most OECD countries.

ALGA’s overarching position is the onus for reducing and paying for waste creation must be covered by entities creating waste.

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ALGA has provided a submission to the Productivity Commission’s consultation for the Inquiry on Opportunities in the Circular Economy.

The submission said local governments are key national partners in resource management by supporting and brokering their communities’ social and economic development and providing infrastructure and services which enable regional economies to function.

As one of local governments’ major services, waste management and how operating and
environmental costs can be reduced, is a major focus for councils.

ALGA also advocated for waste avoidance, mandatory extended producer responsibility, and greater ongoing support for community education and awareness around resource use and waste.

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ALGA has provided a submission to the Federal Government’s National Biosecurity Strategy Action Plan.

The submission highlighted local governments are vital delivery partners in Australia’s biosecurity regime.

Councils in urban, regional, rural or remote areas play a role in supporting public awareness and
education, contributing to surveillance, undertake regulation, undertaking weed and pest control,
and contributing to emergency response for biosecurity incidents.   They also provide information
and local insights to other tiers of government to support national biosecurity outcomes.

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