18 April 2016
Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh has called on the Andrews Labor Government to fund Parks Victoria to properly manage the government’s carry-in – carry out policy in parks along the Murray River.
In parliament last week Mr Walsh said that large dumpster bins are required at the exits to the parks and these bins need to be supported with funding to cover the cost of them being emptied and cleaned.
“The carry-in – carry out policy is supported by the overwhelming majority of campers who do the right thing “ Mr Walsh said.
“The challenge for them is that when they actually leave the park they offload their rubbish at the first wayside stop they come to leaving rubbish to rot and blow around the countryside.”
The Mayor of Gannawarra Shire Council Lorraine Learmonth says she did not believe it was fair that councils should cover the cost of actually having to clean up the rubbish.
The estimation from the council is that it costs them something like $70 000 per year to actually clean up that rubbish that is left at wayside stops or rubbish bins.
“The point that Gannawarra council has raised with me is that with rate capping now being imposed by the Andrews Labor Government council is examining all of the relevant costs that it has in its budget where costs should be paid by another relevant authority.
“I support Gannawarra Council’s view that this rubbish is coming from camping sites in Parks Victoria areas and Parks Victoria should be responsible for the clean up and take away costs “ Mr Walsh said.