Lily D'Ambrosio

A new recycling facility in Melbourne’s west will process 39,000 tonnes of recycled paper a year, thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today launched Australian Paper Recovery’s $2.5 million paper sorting facility in Truganina. The Labor Government provided $475,000 in funding to the project, with the facility providing full grade separation of kerbside and commercial mixed paper and cardboard. The high quality sorted, and graded paper is reprocessed locally and recycled into valuable products such as newspaper and packaging. The facility has also expanded operations to accept additional materials from regional and metropolitan kerbside recycling, including plastics and metals, further increasing recycling capability here in Victoria. The new facility will create six new jobs and will help work towards developing a circular economy in Victoria. The project has been supported by the Government’s $2.6 million Recycling Industry Transition Support Fund, which is helping transition Victoria’s resource recovery and reprocessing industry after the collapse of the export market to China. The Victorian Budget 2019/20 is investing $35 million to strengthen and diversify Victoria’s waste and recycling industry. This latest package builds on the $37 million Recycling Industry Strategic Plan – bringing the Labor Government’s investment in the waste and resource recovery industry to more than $135 million. The Circular Economy Policy issues paper is now open for consultation until 2 August 2019 at engage.vic.gov.au/circulareconomy. Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio “Facilities like these are a crucial part of reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill – it’s fantastic to see Australian Paper expand their operations to accept more materials.” “A circular economy will not only improve Victoria’s waste and recycling systems – it will support local businesses and create local jobs here in Victoria.” Quote attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly “This new facility is delivering local jobs and makes an important contribution to tackling the challenges facing our recycling sector.”

The Andrews Labor Government is acting to protect Victoria’s marine and coastal environments. Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio invited Victorians to have their say on a new draft Marine and Coastal Policy. The Policy is a key action under the Marine and Coastal Act 2018 and will guide decision makers in the planning, management and sustainable use of our coastal and marine environments. Victoria has more than 2,500 kilometres of coastline and about 10,000 square kilometres of marine waters that provide enormous environmental, social and economic value and contribute to our health and wellbeing. The draft Policy sets out how to manage our marine and coastal environment in a sustainable way to help tackle the challenges of climate change and population growth. The Labor Government is also increasing recognition of Traditional Owners’ ongoing connection to Country and their rights and aspirations in managing and using the marine and coastal environments. The Government is preparing the Victorian coast for the climate change challenges ahead through research, policy change and on-ground action – investing more than $60 million into marine and coastal projects since 2014. Public information sessions will be held during July and August, with online consultation open until 15 August 2019. For more information, engagement session details and to have your say on the draft Policy visit engage.vic.gov.au/draft-marine-and-coastal-policy. Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio “We’re protecting our marine and coastal environments for the communities that rely on them every day and the millions of people who visit them every year.” “This engagement process will tap into the rich local knowledge that coastal communities have on these important environments.” “This is about providing a simpler, more integrated approach to planning and managing the marine and coastal environment – to address the key challenges for the next 20 years and beyond.”

The Andrews Labor Government is taking the next step towards developing a circular economy that maximises the reuse of materials and reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfill. Victorians have an opportunity to help make Victoria’s recycling system more resilient and sustainable with the release of an issues paper on the Circular Economy Policy for public comment today. The implementation of a Circular Economy Policy will deliver new opportunities for industry and more jobs in Victoria. Through the Policy, Victoria will transition from the traditional linear model of consumption to a circular model that continually seeks to minimise the use of natural resources. The Policy will build on the Government’s continued investment in the waste and resource recovery initiatives and responds to global recycling challenges. The Victorian Budget 2019/20 is investing $35 million to strengthen and diversify Victoria’s waste and recycling industry. This latest package builds on the $37 million Recycling Industry Strategic Plan – bringing the Labor Government’s investment in the waste and resource recovery industry to more than $135 million. The Circular Economy Policy issues paper is open for consultation until 2 August 2019 at engage.vic.gov.au/circulareconomy. Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio “We’re transforming the way we think about waste and resource recovery – developing a circular economy will deliver better environmental, social and economic results for Victoria.” “A circular economy will not only improve Victoria’s waste and recycling systems – it will support local businesses and create local jobs here in Victoria. “I encourage Victorians to have their say on this important issue as we work towards a final policy in 2020.”

A favourite location in the Great Otway National Park has had a makeover thanks to the Andrews Labor Government with visitors now able to enjoy upgraded facilities at Melba Gully. A refurbished BBQ area and picnic shelter is available for visitors to take a break and relax as they explore some of Victoria’s most lush rainforest locations With those works now complete, the Labor Government is getting on with the second stage of its $2.5 million investment package to improve visitor facilities in the National Park. Maits Rest, which attracts more than 150,000 visitors a year, will see upgrades to the entire 800 metres of its trail introducing larger platforms that invite visitors to gather and share experiences. The infrastructure is designed to better protect the forest systems through raised platforms, keeping visitors on trails and providing corridors for native animals to move through the forest safely. Maits Rest will close from Monday 8 July until November while the works are being completed. In the meantime, visitors can continue to be impressed by Melba Gully’s rainforest walk and attractions including the famed glow worms and the Otway Black Snail, endemic to the region and one of five carnivorous snails in Australia. Stretching from Anglesea to Princetown and up through the Otways hinterland, the 100,000-hectare Great Otway National Park is one of Victoria’s largest and most important environmental and tourism locations. Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio  “These investments in the Great Otway National Park ensure some of Victoria’s most precious natural treasures are cared for and protected while providing an immersive and enjoyable visitor experience.” “We are committed to protecting biodiversity while supporting local business and communities through nature-based tourism.” Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney “It’s great to see the first set of works completed, this project will ensure the Great Otway National Park remains an enjoyable tourism destination for many years to come.”

Work is underway on the ramp that will carry trains from the Sunbury line into the Metro Tunnel, as part of a massive winter work blitz on Melbourne’s rail network. Acting Premier Lisa Neville joined Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne in Kensington today, where workers have begun building the ‘decline structure’ that will eventually connect the rail network to the tunnel entrance. It’s an important milestone for the Andrews Labor Government project, which will slash travel times for passengers and deliver a world class public transport system for Victorians. To deliver these and other power, communication and signalling upgrades for the Metro Tunnel, as well as major work to remove level crossings on the Frankston and Mernda lines, there will be rail disruptions over winter. From 6 to 14 July, buses will replace trains between Caulfield and Flinders Street on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Frankston lines (extending to Westall and Moorabbin on 13 and 14 July). The entire Sandringham line will also be replaced by buses on weekends during this time. Coaches will replace Traralgon and Bairnsdale train services for the entire journey during the works. Gippsland passengers, who have been most impacted by the upgrades, will again receive free travel. Works to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing at Station Street in Carrum are progressing, with Carrum station closing from tomorrow (Saturday 6 July) until early 2020, paving the way for the new station. A temporary track is being built in Carrum so trains can continue to run while works are carried out. Buses will replace trains between Mordialloc and Frankston from 20 to 28 July while this is built. On the Mernda line, trains run will run express through Reservoir from 20 July to 4 August, while the suburb’s new elevated station is built. Buses will also replace trains on some weekends and evenings in July and August. There will also be upgrade works to tram tracks and overhead wiring along St Kilda Road and Fitzroy Street from 19 to 28 July. The intersection will close over the weekend of 20-21 July with detours and some road closures until Sunday 28 July. During the works, buses will replace trams in affected areas along routes 3, 16 and 67. Victorians are urged to allow extra travel time, and plan ahead by visiting ptv.vic.gov.au or vicroads.vic.gov.au. For more information about the Metro Tunnel and other major projects across Victoria, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au. Quotes attributable to Acting Premier Lisa Neville “We’re building the entrance to the Metro Tunnel, which will carry more trains, more often into the heart of the city and across the suburbs – slashing travel times and carrying more passengers.” “It’s part of a massive winter construction blitz that will also see work to remove dangerous level crossings on the Frankston and Mernda lines ramp up.” Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne                                                         

The Andrews Labor Government is boosting diversity across local councils by funding a landmark new program to support Aboriginal people to become council candidates. Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek today announced $20,000 to help the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) launch the Your Community, Country and Council. This Victorian-first initiative is designed to ensure the local government sector reflects the diversity of the community, by helping and encouraging Aboriginal people to run for the 2020 local government elections. It addresses a significant underrepresentation of Aboriginal people in local government and supports the Labor Government’s commitment to achieving diversity and gender equity within local councils. The program will provide targeted support in the form of advice, expertise and training to Aboriginal people around the process of candidacy. The first phase of the program will link potential candidates with past and current Aboriginal representatives in local government, capturing and communicating their insights and expertise. The second phase will be focused on raising awareness around the process of nominating, with a series of engagement and information forums held across the state. This builds on the Labor Government’s grant of $50,000 to the VLGA for its Local Women Leading Change program to support female candidates in running at the upcoming local council elections. The Government has also given a $5,000 boost to the HART Awards, which recognise initiatives by local governments and community organisations that are advancing reconciliation in Victoria. Promoting diversity within local councils brings a range of skills, perspectives and expertise into the local government sector and ensures that the elected councils reflect the diverse communities they represent. Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek “This program will deliver targeted support and information sharing for Aboriginal people looking to run for council.” “Councils should represent the communities they serve and this is a great step forward in achieving diversity across the local government sector.” Quote attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gavin Jennings “Aboriginal communities have unique insight into what their communities need, and it is important to have this experience reflected in local councils.”