Eurobodalla Council rangers will launch a pilot program this weekend that for the first time will reward people with shopping vouchers if they are spotted doing the right thing with litter.
From tomorrow, plain clothes and uniformed council rangers will be on patrol across the Shire looking for anyone littering – a particular focus will be on cigarette butts dropped on the ground that can end up in our region's waterways.
Those caught doing the wrong thing face on-the-spot fines of up to $450.
However, in a first for Eurobodalla rangers, they will also be on the lookout for anyone seen picking up litter that may not be theirs or going out of their way to ensure their rubbish is disposed of properly. The focus is also on smokers disposing of cigarette butts.
Coles Supermarket regional manager John Appleby has provided twenty $25shopping vouchers to be given away as part of the pilot program.
"It's a beautiful part of the world," Mr Appleby said, "so we should do everything we can to keep it that way and even if this inspires just a few people then that's a good outcome. We have got a real responsibility to help find solutions."
Eurobodalla Council ranger Rory Hogan said the focus was the environment and to change people's behaviour – not just with fines but also by rewarding good behaviour.
"This is the first time we have trialled a reward program and hope that other businesses may also get involved in the future by offering vouchers.
"It's a new idea and a good way of having a positive reinforcement for doing the right thing."
Sustainability project officer, Mimosa Henderson, said the reward pilot program was part of round two of The Cigarette Butt Bin Project run with the NSW Environment Protection Authority. As part of this project there are now over 30 cigarette butt bins throughout the Shire.
She said at one site, near the Dalmeny Playground, there had been an increase in people's use of the butt bins by more than two thirds after they were installed.
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