The Barossa Council has agreed to support in principle the Local Government Association’s proposal to investigate a 10 cent refund on wine bottles.
Council contributed to the vote last week, which was attended by Barossa Mayor Michael “Bim” Lange.
He said while Council has supported the proposal in principle, further consultation is needed on the proposal, particularly with the wine industry.
“We have always been conscious of trying to keep all sorts of recyclables out of the waste and we are mindful of the impact that this may have on the industry,” said Mr Lange.
With the State’s Environment Minister, Mr David Speirs conducting consultation earlier this year, Mr Lange spoke at the meeting questioning another tier of Government’s investigation into the same proposal.
“I suggested we should wait and see what the Minister says first,” said Mr Lange.
“I was directed by the Council to support in principle but I do feel it will have an impact on the industry.”
It has recently been discovered that not all the contents placed in the yellow bins for recycling are being recycled due to a number of issues including contamination.
“We have got to be smart enough to be able to recycle and make sure the products are all recyclable,” said Mr Lange.
“And keep our waste in Australia… I think we are doing better in South Australia than the eastern states.”