This week the return and earn facility finally arrives here in Orange. Ever since its roll-out on December 1 last year, I have had many constituents raise their concerns with me over the accessibility and practicality of the reverse vending machines.

Many recyclers found that their containers are being rejected by these machines. For instance, the vending machines do not accept ubiquitous milk and juice containers, as well as wine and spirit glass bottles to name just a few. People are genuinely concerned about littering and remain dedicated to the mission of recycling. The practicality of these vending machines, over what they will and will not accept, is leaving people confused and frustrated. Not only does the limited range of accepted containers have to fit a certain size and be returned in a pristine condition, but many of the people across our electorate cannot even access a machine for a refund, despite the fact they are now forced to pay higher prices for their packaged drinks to fund the scheme. I am not surprised to hear of the bags of empty cans and bottles, which these facilities refuse to accept, are being left outside these facilities and looking like a garbage dump.

It seems the recent rail turmoil in Sydney has sparked the New South Wales Government to list transport as a high priority on the political agenda this week. I am curious to see how the premier expects the people of NSW to support her decision to unnecessarily spend billions of taxpayer’s dollars on the refurbishment of Sydney sports stadiums when the government cannot even provide sufficiently capable rail transport for Sydney, which is essential. While the Government believes that talks about upgrading the Bells Line of Road is premature, I believe now is the time to invest in improving transport for regional NSW. The taxes we all pay should be spent on projects which will benefit everyone, not just those in metropolitan areas. It would be appropriate to say that an upgrade to the Bells Line of Road would be a step in the right direction. 

Are you interested in establishing a community based project? The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation is now offering community minded people the opportunity to snap-up $25,000 for a community project in your area. The fund is eligible for projects that include collaboration between people in your town and to deliver sustained community benefits, whether that is infrastructure for local showgrounds or societies etc.

Applications close on Friday January 19, so be sure to get in quick! Please visit: rasnsw.com.au/foundation/scholarships-and-grants/community-futures-grant/ for more information and to apply.