Page 4159 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 22 October 2019
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The bill further protects the natural environment by regulating construction materials to reduce litter from building sites. Litter from lightweight construction materials that escape from building sites is a concern that I have heard from the community, particularly in the new areas of Molonglo, where this has been seen on a regular basis, unfortunately. We are addressing that through this bill. It is problematic, particularly where foam blocks have been reported as being strewn across whole suburbs and then into our waterways like the Molonglo River. The bill will proactively address how construction materials are stored on building sites and place the responsibility for securing lightweight material on the occupier of the site.
The last element of the bill, and an important element, is the new framework to address cases of hoarding on private property where it is creating a significant impact to the amenity of the area. Hoarding is a sensitive issue and can be traumatic for people involved. The bill sets out an escalating framework for managing the hoarding of litter on private property. It is important to note that these new provisions are only intended to apply to the extreme cases where the activities taking place are having a significant impact on the occupants of the surrounding area. The provisions in this bill allow for a staged approach to be taken, including issuing a show cause notice, issuing an abatement notice and a court-issued abatement order.
In developing this bill, significant consideration has been given to the underlying causes of hoarding situations and the broader context of this complex issue. These issues often involve mental health issues and consequently involve some of society’s most vulnerable people. As such, this bill does not criminalise mental health issues and does not impose criminal penalties unless a court order is not complied with. Furthermore, social solutions, including assistance from non-government community organisations, mental health professionals, can be very effective in generating positive results in these cases.
To assist with guiding this process, a code of practice has been mandated under this bill to assist compliance officers to apply these laws in a consistent and appropriate manner, including knowing when to take social steps and when to take compliance action such as issuing abatement orders. These provisions represent a balanced and humane approach to hoarding which will lead to positive outcomes for everyone affected by this issue.
In summary, this bill sets out a legislative framework that is both holistic and robust. It will allow for effective compliance to be undertaken where necessary. However, I also recognise that enforcement and compliance action is only one piece of the puzzle in reducing littering and illegal dumping. Education and awareness will be integral to the successful implementation of this new framework. City rangers and the compliance targeting team will be working with the community to make Canberrans aware that we take littering and illegal dumping seriously and that compliance action will be taken where necessary. That has been stepped up in the last year, with that new team being established, and the numbers support that.
The amendments in this bill clarify and strengthen the existing laws and establish efficiencies and regulatory improvements so that the law is enforceable and meets the
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