Crisafulli Government protects Queenslanders from green tape bill

• The Crisafulli Government has saved Queenslanders from a massive green tape bill from the Federal Government.
• Government will not sign up to Federal Government environment targets that will lead to increased costs for Queenslanders in a Cost of Living Crisis.
• Queensland’s waste and recycling review begins in 2025 with cost effectiveness a key plank.
• Environmental protection to be achieved without consumers bearing the cost.

The Crisafulli Government has saved Queensland families and businesses from a major hit to the hip-pocket, refusing to shackle the state to costly Federal Government waste targets.

Queensland will work toward waste reduction and a boost to recycling without binding the state to Federal targets at huge financial cost to businesses and families.

Queensland is in the process of updating its Waste Strategy with the goal of increasing recycling and improving waste recovery, but will not include measures likely to hit Queenslanders, and small businesses with additional costs.

Minister for the Environment Andrew Powell said Queensland was committed to preserving the environment and agreed to boosting recycling rates while driving down the amount of waste going to landfill each year.

“The Crisafulli Government has today saved Queenslanders from another hit to the hip pocket from Federal Government environmental targets that will cost them more,” Minister Powell said.

“We will not add to Queenslanders’ cost of living burden by insisting on waste initiatives or targets that will increase family bills.

“We need to work towards improving these targets, while containing costs for residents, business, and Government. 

“We know from Queensland-based trials, the measures put forward by the Federal Government could increase the bill for household waste collection 20-fold during a Cost of Living Crisis.

“It’s clear much more work needs to be done on improving the cost efficiency of collection and processing waste streams before targets are unilaterally enforced with Federal environmental targets.

“Additional costs of waste collection from these Federal targets would ultimately be borne by Queenslanders.

“This is about addressing Queensland’s waste challenges in Queensland’s way.

“The Crisafulli Government will work closely with industry and local governments on the updated Waste Strategy to ensure their voices are heard particularly with problematic waste streams like batteries.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Fiona Crawford 0417 700 363