Residents encouraged to learn more about Environment Levy proposal

23 November, 2011Posted in: Environment
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Wingecarribee Shire Council has begun rolling out a series of community engagement initiatives following Councillors decision to support a motion to have the Environment Levy extended.

The Environment Levy, first introduced in 2000, is due to expire in June 2013. Council is subsequently proposing to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) early next year to seek a continuation of the levy.

Chair of Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee, Councillor Larry Whipper said the community engagement initiatives were an opportunity for residents to find out more about the proposal.

“We believe the current Environment Levy represents great value for the community,” he said.

“Over the last 11 years the Environment Levy has been used for numerous environmental projects such as the removal of weeds, bush regeneration, sediment and erosion control and restoration of degraded land, plus the conservation and enhancement of our Shire’s natural biodiversity.

“We’d like to see this fantastic work continue and this is the reason we’re proposing that we seek an extension of the Environment Levy,” Councillor Whipper added.

Residents wanting to learn more about the proposal can view information at the following locations:

  • Log onto www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au,
  • View displays in the Moss Vale Civic Centre or local libraries,
  • Read the associated documentation and consider how Council’s recently amended Delivery Program, Resourcing Strategy and Operational Plan are affected,
  • Complete a survey or participate in an online forum (we will be randomly selecting residents to participate in telephone and postal surveys as well)
  • Email directly to wscmail@wsc.nsw.gov.au, or
  • Write to PO Box 141, Moss Vale 2577

The opportunity to complete a survey closes on Friday 9 December 2011 however residents can continue to comment in other ways until 27 January 2012.

“I encourage all residents to have their say about our proposal to extend the current Environment Levy,” Councillor Whipper said.

“Because ultimately the actions we take today, will have consequences for years to come.”

For more information visit www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au or contact Barry Arthur or the Environment Levy Project Team on phone 4868 0888.