Record Refunds
The Containers for Change program started in Queensland in 2018 and since then 7.8 billion containers have been returned.
This means $780 millions has been returned to Queenslander’s pockets.
Registered charities and community groups have raised more than $12 million through the scheme where individuals can opt to have their returned funds donated to a charity or group.
Before the Containers for Change program started only 18 per cent of drink containers were being recovered and recycled. Now, thanks to the scheme, the current rate is almost 64 per cent.
Not only is this great for those looking for additional spending money, but the environment is a winner as well.
While Containers for Change supports more than 935 direct jobs across Queensland, it’s the jobs in the circular economy which is a real growth industry of the future.
For every one job in landfill, there are three jobs in recycling and manufacturing.
Expanding the scheme to allows more deposits will mean more jobs and less landfill.
In November last year the State Government expanded the scheme to include glass wine and spirit bottles which has continued to the biggest month ever in January with over 175,800,000 containers returned.
This beats last January’s record of 157,000,000 containers.
It must be said Queenslanders really do enjoy themselves over the holiday break.
There are a number of Containers for Change deposit locations spread across Logan and customers can download the Containers for Change app to find locations and keep track of their deposits.
Knife crime crack-down
Addressing community concerns, parliament this month passed laws to ban the sale of knives to minors.
This ban is on top of the passing of Jack’s Law last year where police are authorised to conduct wand searches in Queensland’s safe night precincts as well as along public transport corridors.
In the first 4 months of Jack’s Law coming into effect, 220 weapons were seized during police operations using Jack’s Law.
Under the new knife laws introduced this month, it will become an offence to sell knives and other weapons to minors and it will become an offence to advertise weapons as suitable for combat or other violence.
Retailers will be required to securely store particular weapons prior to sale and display signage regarding age restriction for sales.
Support and education will be provided to retailers to assist them with this transition not unlike when the sale of spray paint was restricted to minors.
Additional funding of $6,000,000 will also be provided to enhance community and youth educational programs directed at curbing knife culture.
A number of community organisations such as the Balin Stewart Foundation and the Jack Beasley Foundation will also be funded to continue their amazing work in our schools and with young people.
Homes for Queenslanders
The State Government continues to make significant strides in addressing the state’s housing crisis.
We recently purchased the former Tanah Merah Village to provide homes for our most vulnerable Queenslanders.
This marks the largest purchase to date, offering 124 homes for those in need.
The former Tanah Merah village comprises 85 one-bedroom and 39 two-bedroom units, specifically designed for independent living, catering to single individuals, couples, and small adult families.
Funded through the government’s Housing Investment Fund, the property will undergo minor upgrades before welcoming its first residents by mid-year.
This acquisition is part of a broader initiative by the Miles Government to utilise various properties, including former retirement villages and aged care facilities, for social housing.
With this latest purchase, this government has now delivered 265 homes for Queenslanders in need, demonstrating a commitment to addressing housing insecurity across the state.
In addition to providing homes for vulnerable Queenslanders, the State Government is also implementing measures to support renters through its Renters Relief Package.
Valued at $160 million over five years, this package aims to provide financial aid, rights, and protections for renters, forming part of the comprehensive Homes for Queenslanders plan.
Key components of the Renters Relief Package include the establishment of a portable bond scheme, banning rent bidding, and introducing a new rental sector Code of Conduct to crack down on unprofessional practices.
As renters we know how tight money becomes when having to move between rentals, particularly when the payout of the previous bond is delayed.
These measures undertaken by the State Government highlight a dedication to ensuring all Queenslanders have access to safe, affordable housing, and a pathway to stability and security in their homes.
