THE State Government’s increase to the solid waste levy will result in higher concentrations of illegal dumping in forest plantations, the State Opposition has claimed.
According to Shadow Forestry Minister Clare Scriven, forest growers have raised concerns illegal dumping will increase once the full impact of the 40pc hike in the levy is implemented.
“Forest growers already pay out thousands of dollars each year to clean up, collect and dispose of rubbish that is dumped in local forests,” she said.
“They now face the double whammy of increased costs to dispose of the rubbish, plus the likely increase in amounts which is more of a cost burden.”
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said he had received no communication from growers about illegal dumping, labelling Ms Scriven’s claim as “just a desperate attempt from the opposition to publish another negative story about the forestry industry”.
“It is sad the Shadow Minister chooses at every opportunity to talk down this wonderful industry, which is so important to the South East,” he said.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is focussed on working with industry to deliver positive outcomes on the ground in the Green Triangle for the forestry sector.”
