Lily D'Ambrosio

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Victorian businesses and councils to improve their recycling practices and expand their operations to recover valuable products and reduce waste going to landfill. Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today officially launched Repurpose It’s new $8.5 million washing plant facility in Epping – which will recover and treat materials previously destined for landfill and convert them into valuable resources. The Labor Government invested $500,000 from the Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund into the project, which is the first of its kind in Australia and will divert more than 500,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste from landfill each year. Repurpose It are partnering with Labor Government projects, including the Level Crossing Removal Project, Metro Trains, North East Link and the Western Distributor to integrate waste into road and rail infrastructure across the state. The grant comes from the first round of the Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund, which has awarded $14.5 million to support 47 projects through three rounds of the program. The latest round of the Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund is now open – with grants between $40,000 and $500,000 available to support greater sorting, improve recovery and reprocessing priority materials such as plastic, paper, cardboard and glass. A further $1.2 million is also available to support the market development of recycled materials, under round two of the $4.5 million Research, Development & Demonstration Program. Applications for the fourth round of the Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund are now open. For more information and to apply for funding, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au. Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio “We’re supporting large-scale infrastructure projects like this one to reduce Victoria’s dependence on landfills, create new jobs and drive investment.” “Our Recycling Industry Strategic Plan is helping Victoria’s recycling sector adjust to changes in world recycling markets so that more material is diverted from landfill.” Quote attributable to Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny “The very best recycling technology is available right here in Epping – investing in projects like this one is not only good for the environment, it’s helping to support local jobs and industry.”

The Andrews Labor Government has launched a new online tool to help Victorians identify and investigate the quality of land and groundwater on their properties. Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the Victoria Unearthed site would help property owners identify past uses of their land, to help them better understand the history of the site. Victorians can now enter an address, suburb, town or area into the searchable map and access information related to potential historical or existing contamination for that address. Victoria Unearthed includes data about land and groundwater that’s been brought together in the one place for the first time, Victoria Unearthed also includes over 160,000 historical business listings from directories dating back to the 1890s – digitised for the first time from hard copies preserved by State Library Victoria. As well as providing a valuable resource for historians, these historical business listings from old phone books can help Victorians understand more about potential contamination risks posed by past business activities. Further investigation will be required to determine the precise condition of the land or groundwater on each site. The Victoria Unearthed website is part of the Labor Government’s record $182.4 million investment to overhaul the state’s Environment Protection Authority. Other actions include stronger powers for the environmental regulator and initiatives like the Preliminary Risk Screen pilot, which is testing a faster, more cost-effective approach to assessing sites that have a low to medium potential for contamination. Victoria Unearthed, and further information on the tool, is available at environment.vic.gov.au/victoria-unearthed. Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio “We’re making sure that Victorians are better protected than ever before from issues such as contamination.” “This website will help people know the real story about what’s underneath their properties – with handy information right at their fingertips.”

Work is underway to build Victoria’s latest wind farm, including a Victorian-first underground transmission line which will set new best-practice for connecting clean energy projects to the national grid. The Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio visited the site south of Mortlake today to announce that construction has commenced on the $275 million, 35-turbine Mortlake South Wind Farm being built by ACCIONA. The project will create over 90 new jobs during construction, 34 ongoing jobs and will generate enough clean energy to power 115,000 homes each year. In another win for renewable energy in Victoria, the wind turbine supplier for the project intends to establish a ‘Nordex Regional Hub’ in Victoria which will service Australian, New Zealand and South East Asian markets – creating 20 jobs in metropolitan and regional areas. ACCIONA will also build an underground transmission line for the wind farm, demonstrating its commitment to working closely with communities to deliver tailored local solutions. The underground transmission route will be finalised based on environmental, cultural heritage and engineering considerations aimed at minimising the impact of the wind farm’s construction and ongoing presence – a planning permit will be required for the new power line. ACCIONA is supporting local Portland-based company Keppel Prince Engineering by providing advance orders for the purchase of turbine towers for the project. The Mortlake South Wind Farm is supported by the Government’s Victorian Renewable Energy Target reverse auction and was one of six successful applicants in last year’s auction. The Government is increasing Victoria’s Renewable Energy Target to 50 per cent by 2030 – putting more clean energy into the grid, increasing investment and driving down energy prices. In 2017-18, renewable energy generation accounted for 18.3 per cent of total energy generated in Victoria, up from 11.8 per cent in 2014-15. Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio “This wind farm will create local jobs, reduce greenhouse emissions and generate enough electricity to power more than 115,000 homes — boosting energy supply and bringing down prices.” “Our energy targets have been the catalyst for unprecedented renewable energy investment and jobs growth in regional Victoria.”

Raids have been carried out across Melbourne this morning busting an illegal reptile smuggling ring attempting to sell Australian lizards on the black market overseas. More than 150 lizards have been seized since the brazen operation was discovered in June 2018 by Australia Post and Australian Border Force – with a total estimated street value of more than $550,000. Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio said the joint operation was one of Australia’s biggest investigations into illegal wildlife trafficking – leading to search warrants across the state and multiple arrests. The smuggling syndicate was attempting to send the wildlife to China and Hong Kong, concealed inside toys, chip containers, powdered chocolate tins, deep-fryers and rice cookers. Most of the reptiles have already been rehoused to local sanctuaries, schools and zoos. Some will be sent to the Australian Museum to help develop tools to detect these animals being trafficked out of Australia in the future. Sadly, 12 of the smuggled reptiles died following their ordeal, either from suffocation or trauma. The three search warrants, carried out this morning in Narre Warren, Oakleigh and Clayton, were the result of a lengthy investigation by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, with the Australian Border Force and the Federal Department of the Environment and Energy. In the past month, an additional three warrants were executed in Melbourne and Werribee with two people arrested and charged for alleged illegal possession and disposal of protected wildlife. Under the Wildlife Act 1975 there are various penalties associated with taking, disposing of or being in possession of protected wildlife, with a maximum penalty of $38,685 and/or 24 months imprisonment.  Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 the maximum penalty for cruelty is $40,297.50 and/or 12 months imprisonment. To report any information, contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1800 333 000, or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime. Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio “This is a very disturbing case, where reptiles have been taken from the wild and treated completely inhumanely – all in the pursuit of financial gain by a gang of criminals.” “Such sickening abuse of animals will not be tolerated in Victoria and I commend all the agencies involved for detecting this cruel and illegal activity and taking strong action against the perpetrators.” “Taking, keeping, and trading unlawfully obtained wildlife is a serious offence and we are calling on the community to help us with any further information that could assist this case or others.”

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a healthier Port Phillip Bay – benefiting Victorians and tourists, as well as protecting one of the state’s most important ecosystems. The final round of the Port Phillip Bay Fund (PPBF) in now open, with $850,000 of funding available for projects which are contributing to the health of the Bay. This round of the Fund will support volunteer-based community and environmental groups, indigenous groups, scouts, kindergartens and schools to play a greater role in improving the health of Port Phillip Bay and protect its rich and unique biodiversity. Round 1 of the PPBF supported 36 projects and delivered more than 44,000 hours of volunteer effort across 95 partner groups and organisations to help protect the health of one of Victoria’s most important ecosystems. Round 2 of the Fund supported 39 successful projects, including: the Yarra Riverkeeper Association, which has collaborated with over 40 community groups and organisations to collect and present catchment data on a single, accessible public site – The Yarra Catchment Atlas, and; the Western Waterways of the Wurundjeri project, which has facilitated four cross-cultural events for community groups, and will fence and revegetate a 300-metre length of shrubland and grassland next to the Maribyrnong River and Arundel Creek. Funded by the proceeds of the lease of the Port of Melbourne, the $10 million PPBF was launched in November 2016 to support projects including: foreshore upgrades; dune stability works; water quality improvement works; amenity and wetland improvements. Port Phillip Bay is the home to 10,000 marine plant and animal species, making it one of our most important ecosystems. In addition to providing valuable habitat, the Bay also supports recreational fishing and tourism, is the entrance to Australia’s busiest port, and has over 4.5 million people living and working in the catchment area. The grants application period is open until 5pm on Wednesday 10 April. More information on the Port Phillip Bay Fund and applications can be made at: www.delwp.vic.gov.au/port-phillip-bay-fund Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio “These grants are helping protect one of the city’s most treasured ecosystems – improving it for Victorians and tourists.” “We’re investing $10 million over four years to help the community play a greater role in improving the health of Port Phillip Bay.” “This is about taking the action needed to build a legacy that will benefit our Bay for years to come.” 

The Andrews Labor Government is forcing big power companies to give Victorians a better deal on their power bills. The Labor Government will today introduce a Bill into parliament to legislate a Victorian Default Offer that will cut the cost of energy for households across the state. The Energy Legislation Amendment (Victorian Default Offer) Bill 2019 will empower the Essential Services Commission to determine a fair price and work with retailers to enforce it. The legislation will abolish standing energy offers and require energy retailers to offer a fairer price for energy – which could save households around $200 to $500 a year on average on their energy bills. While the Morrison Minority Government is fighting amongst itself on energy policy, only the Labor Government is getting on with delivering lower and fairer energy prices for Victorian families. The new measure is part of the Labor Government’s final response to the bipartisan Independent Review of the Electricity & Gas Retail Markets in Victoria. The Independent Review – undertaken by John Thwaites, Terry Mulder and Patricia Faulkner – was the result of detailed research into energy retail prices and extensive consultation with consumers and industry. The Review found that intervention was required to ensure better outcomes for customers and recommended a range of measures to put downward pressure on prices and protect low income and vulnerable customers. The Victorian Default Offer builds on the Government’s work to help Victorians take control of their energy costs by putting solar panels on 700,000 homes – with nearly 10,000 Victorian households installing solar panels since August last year. We’ve also helped more than 200,000 people compare their energy offer through our $50 Power Saving Bonus, saving on power bills. Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews “Hard working Victorians are sick of being ripped off by energy retailers, so we’re getting rid of these unfair deals.” “This is just one of the ways we’re putting power back into the hands of Victorians, as we put solar panels on 700,000 homes and cut the cost of energy.” Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio “We’re making sure Victorians get a fair deal. Ever since the Liberals privatised our electricity, big corporations have tried to rip off consumers – enough is enough.” “Victoria won’t rely on Scott Morrison and his colleagues to deliver good energy policy – they can’t even agree amongst themselves.”

Victorians are getting the extra support they need to drive down their energy costs, with rebates now available for solar hot water systems as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Solar Homes package. Victorian households can now claim up to $1,000 rebate for solar hot water systems and reduce their energy costs by between $160 and $400, a year with rebates available for systems installed on or after 19 August 2018. Not all homes can have solar panels installed because of issues such as roof design or shade, which is why the Labor Government is providing this rebate. It means Victorians who can’t install solar panels will still be able to save hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills. The rebate is available to Victorians with a household income of up to $180,000 who live in their own home valued at up to $3 million – and who haven’t already installed half price solar panels under the Solar Homes program. All solar hot water installations must be completed by a licensed plumber, while electrical work must be done by a Class A electrician licenced by Energy Safe Victoria, or a recognised equivalent from another Australian jurisdiction. Systems installed under the package must be on the Clean Energy Regulator’s Register of solar hot water heaters and the Victorian Essential Services Commission Registered Products list. A Certificate of Electrical Safety, certified by a licensed inspector registered with Energy Safe must also be provided. The plumber must provide a certificate of compliance to the householder. The rebate is available as part of the Labor Government’s landmark Solar Homes package, which will deliver solar hot water systems to 60,000 homes, solar electricity panels to 700,000 homes – including 50,000 rental properties – and solar batteries to 10,000 homes. The Labor Government’s Solar Homes program will cut Victoria’s carbon emissions by almost four million tonnes – the same as taking one million of Victoria’s 4.6 million cars off the road – and generate 12.5 per cent of Victoria’s 40 per cent target for renewable energy by 2025. A full list of registered products and further information on applying for the solar hot water rebate can be found at solar.vic.gov.au/hot-water-rebate. Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio “We’re putting solar panels and hot water systems on Victorian homes to help families save hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills.” “This rebate means households who can’t install solar panels still have options available to them to drive down their energy costs.” “We’re not wasting a second rolling out our landmark Solar Homes package – driving down household bills and delivering on our renewable energy target.”

Hospitals across Victoria are seeing major reductions in their energy bills, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s energy efficiency program. Minister for Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said hospitals like Brunswick Private Hospital are rapidly introducing energy efficiency measures to help reduce their overall costs. Brunswick Private is making significant savings on their energy bills, maintenance costs, and greenhouse gas emissions thanks to new lighting – by replacing existing fluorescent lights with 946 LED lights, they will save $38,000 annually on energy bills, giving them a payback of less than one year. The hospital is one of 90,000 businesses that have improved their equipment and undertaken energy efficiency retrofits – and was supported by the Government’s Victorian Energy Upgrades program with nearly $30,000 in funding going to the upgrade. In hospitals, energy efficiency upgrades deliver both environmental and financial savings, minimising future capital costs, while also improving patient comfort and experience. Energy Savings Industry Association and the Energy Efficiency Council have launched a new report which highlights the large and diverse workforce involved in energy management and energy efficiency. The Government delivers range of energy efficiency programs which support hundreds of Victorian jobs in making, installing and upgrading energy efficient appliances and buildings. Over the last ten years, 1.8 million households and 90,000 business have undertaken energy-saving upgrades. It is estimated that these upgrades saved the businesses involved around $90 million on their energy bills annually – around $4,500 for participating businesses and $200 for households. For more information on the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program visit energy.vic.gov.au. Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio “The workers that build, use and maintain Victoria’s buildings and energy-using equipment are playing a critical role in helping us achieve our target of net zero emissions by 2050.” “Improving energy efficiency creates jobs, reduces emissions and helps Victorians homes and business save money on their power bills.”