Litter Abatement and Resource Recovery in the Territory

In 2003 the Northern Territory Government adopted a new more comprehensive approach to litter and resource recovery issues in the Territory by endorsing the Litter Abatement and Resource Recovery Strategy (pdf 47Kb) and its accompanying Implementation Plan (pdf 37Kb). The Litter and Recycling Grants Program is a key component of the Strategy and provides funding to community groups for projects that address litter and resource recovery issues.

The Strategy aims to:

improve the way we manage litter and to increase resource recovery rates in the Territory;
increase public awareness and knowledge of litter and the problems it causes; and
engage all sectors of the community in finding new and innovative solutions to the unique conditions in the Territory.

Actions in the Strategy are organised against five key themes:

Achieving behavioural change;
Improving litter and recycling services and infrastructure;
Providing a better regulatory underpinning to litter abatement and resource recovery activities;
Obtaining better information upon which to base decisions and monitor performance; and
Revitalising government, community and industry dialogue on litter and resource recovery issues and to improve coordination of initiatives.

Litter and Recycling Grants

The Litter and Recycling Grants Program was established in 2004 and provides community groups and individuals across the Territory funding to promote local action and improvement on litter and recycling issues at the grass-roots level. It is resourced through the Litter Abatement and Resource Recovery Fund and co-ordinated by the Litter Abatement and Resource Recovery Advisory Group who is responsible for the assessment of project proposals and for recommending funding allocations to the Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage.

Litter Abatement and Resource Recovery Fund

A Litter Abatement and Resource Recovery Fund has been established to implement the Strategy, with an initial $250 000 annual commitment from the Beverage Industry Environment Council (BIEC). The Government is also seeking additional industry and other funding contributions.

Litter Advisory and Resource Recovery Committee

The Litter Abatement and Resource Recovery Advisory Committee (LARRAC) was established to promote community engagement. The Committee, consisting of community and industry representatives, provides advice to the Minister on litter and recycling issues and recommendations on the allocation of funding for the Grants Program. The Environment Protection Agency provides facilitation and support services.