My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Environment, and the action I request is for the minister to provide an update on how the recently announced $21.5 million boost to the Illegal Dumping Taskforce will benefit the Bellarine electorate.

I understand this funding will be able to provide some additional financial support to local councils and public land managers. We have got a couple of those across the Bellarine who manage areas along our coastline, and this will enable some more effective clean-up of illegal dumping and toxic waste in public spaces.

The investment comes at a really important time for the Bellarine. We have recently announced an expansion of Ramsar site boundaries, with Edwards Point, Swan Bay Wildlife Reserve and Coastal Reserve being recognised and nominated to be extended as a Ramsar site, and the federal Minister for Environment will assess that now. But it certainly highlights the international significance of our wetlands across the Bellarine, and we need to protect those.

We have a community that deeply cares about our environment, our parks and our wetlands. We have many volunteers who put many hours into protecting and enhancing our local environment. While I wish that we did not have illegal dumping, it is reassuring to see that we are taking some action on this.

I also want to take the time to give a shout-out to a local hero – I will call him Jason – who volunteers and cleans up along Leopold. Each morning he heads out, rain, hail or shine, and collects rubbish around our Leopold community. He creates a real positive change and is very much supported by the local Leopold community as well. We really want to thank him for his efforts and his volunteering.

I look forward to hearing an update on how this funding will support the Bellarine and to sharing that information with my electorate.