By Holly McGuinness
Whittlesea council plans to reduce the number of cigarette butts discarded across the municipality by introducing additional bins and signs.
A Lakeside College year 6 student raised concerns with council about the number of cigarette butts discarded in public places.
The student presented council with a petition containing 237 signatures calling for more education surrounding the dangers and environmental impacts of cigarette butt litter and asked that more bins be installed across the municipality.
The petition was tabled at the Monday, September 19 meeting meeting.
As a result new bins will be installed at Thomastown Recreation Centre, Mernda Junction Shopping Centre, Galada Community Centre and Barry Road Community Centre.
Council staff will also work with staff at Westfield Plenty Valley Outdoor Food Court and Pacific Epping Plaza to ensure signage and education is improved to deter people from discarding cigarette butts.
Chair of administrators Lydia Wilson called the student an “environment crusader,” thanking her for her strong contribution and passion for the environment.
“It’s going to be about a collective effort, and that means not just council but also (as has happened in this case), community members working with council, local businesses, shopping centre management, and so forth,” Ms Wilson said.
