General News
23 February, 2025
DUMP STRIKE
By CHRIS EARL WORKERS are refusing to clear rubbish dumped in Loddon parks in a pay dispute with the State Government. Union members have staked placards at illegal dump sites in Wedderburn State Forest. Avid bushwalker Darryl Arnott said the...
By CHRIS EARL
WORKERS are refusing to clear rubbish dumped in Loddon parks in a pay dispute with the State Government.
Union members have staked placards at illegal dump sites in Wedderburn State Forest.
Avid bushwalker Darryl Arnott said the placard near a pile of tyres was erected at the same time Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action installed new park signs.
“There’s even one sign telling people not to dump rubbish,” Mr Arnott said.
He wants government agencies to respond to reports of dumped litter with the same efficiency as Loddon Shire Council.
“I do a lot of walking in the bush and other areas around town,” Mr Arnott said.
“If I see something, I report it ... Loddon Shire does the job well of cleaning up if it’s their land.
“I love the bush, it’s so unique around here and it’s a shame to see rubbish being dumped. It doesn’t look good.”
DEECA has started installing new orange and white livery signs at state parks in the Loddon Shire.
The department says its field staff are represented by the Australian Workers Union and are currently undertaking protected industrial action while bargaining for a new enterprise agreement.
Industrial action covering recreation site maintenance, including removal of rubbish left by campers has been in place since December 13.
A spokesperson said: “Keeping Victoria’s state forests and parks free of rubbish is a shared responsibility. It is vital that all users take responsibility for their actions and leave sites as they found them, ensuring they take all rubbish home with them.
”Forest Fire Management Victoria crews play a vital role, responding to bushfires and maintaining forest assets such as recreation sites, walking tracks and roads.”
Australian Workers’ Union country north east organiser James Newbold said: “AWU forest firefighters are undertaking the ban on collecting rubbish because they are some of the lowest paid employees in the Victorian Public Service. This action is bringing to the attention of the public and the government just how important our members are to the community and the environment.
“The action is anticipated to continue until AWU forest firefighters accept an offer from the Victorian government that satisfies our members desperate need for a fair pay rise that keeps up with the cost of living - five per cent in each year - and pays them at least as much as their counterparts at Parks Victoria who are performing substantially similar duties.
“It is in the hands of the Victorian government to determine when this will occur,” Mr Newbold said.
DEECA did not respond to questions on the cost of new signage and who erected the signs.