Australian Industry Group has called on the Victorian Government to formally recognise the waste industry as an essential service, amid growing concern arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on fuel supply chains.
Our State Head of Victoria, Tim Piper, said waste operators were already experiencing uncertainty around diesel deliveries, with the prospect of fuel rationing creating significant operational risk.
"Waste services are an essential service, not unlike gas, water and electricity," Mr Piper said.
"Operators must have certainty that they can access sufficient fuel for collection vehicles to ensure waste and recycling services continue uninterrupted.
"The alternative is a very real decline in service levels: fewer trucks on the road, reduced recycling, increased co-mingling of materials, and in some cases, the possibility of waste not being collected on a regular basis.
"This is clearly not a desirable outcome. We are calling on the State Government to ensure that, in the event of fuel rationing, the waste industry is prioritised and provided with the fuel required to keep services running safely and effectively.
"Waste services are fundamental to public health and the functioning economy," Mr Piper said.
