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  2. Minister Refuses To Advise Of Collection Points For Wallsend

Minister Refuses To Advise Of Collection Points For Wallsend

Media Releases

State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the Minister for the Environment, Gabrielle Upton, to inform the Wallsend electorate where their collection points will be located for the Return and Earn container deposit scheme.

As part of the scheme the price of cans and bottles will rise by approximately 10 cents. Consumers then return them for a 10 cent refund.

Less than two weeks out from the start of the scheme, only one vending machine has been installed in the Hunter and a site for another one has been announced at Mayfield.

But given the population of the Hunter, two machines cannot cope with the amount of bottles and cans that will need to be returned. The Minister promised 800 machines across the State, but cannot tell the people of Wallsend if they will have a site in the local area.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery

“The Minister has botched this rollout. We are now less than 2 weeks out from the start of the scheme and the Minister cannot tell me if there will be a collection point in the Wallsend electorate.”

“The Minister promised more than 800 machines across the State and Wallsend deserves its fair share.”

“Now it looks like the Government won’t deliver on anywhere near that amount, with the Minister refusing to provide anyone with a confirmed list of collection points.”

“Residents are already paying the increased costs for products but cannot travel anywhere locally to get their money back.”

“For some this will be a miniscule amount, but for those in the community who can least afford it, the numbers will quickly add up.”

“Well Minister, everyone in my community just wants to know – where can I take my cans and bottles for a refund?”

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