Photo: kab.org.au

Victoria’s total litter count is now 47 per cent lower than the national average.

To ensure this trend continues, the Andrews Labor Government is investing $1 million in innovative approaches to prevent and reduce the impacts of litter and illegal dumping through the Victorian Litter Plan – including the $700,000 Litter Innovation Fund.

Visiting Collingwood Children’s farm today, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the 23 successful Round 1 grant recipients in the Victorian Litter Innovation Fund.

Fourteen of these projects will specifically target marine and coastal litter, and illegal dumping issues that affect the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay Catchment area.

The projects will be delivered in partnership with various organisations, including local government, not-for-profit organisations, businesses and community groups to test new approaches to litter prevention.

Ms D’Ambrosio also launched the Victorian Litter Report Card 2016 which identifies five priority litter issues that will inform future investment and propose new interventions across Victoria over the next two years.

Actions for 2016-17 will focus on coastal areas and waterways, addressing illegal dumping, and reducing plastics and microplastic litter.

Applications for Round 2 of the Victorian Litter Innovation Fund open today. For more information and to apply, visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au. Applications close Friday 30 September.