NSWALC has been working collaboratively on a Program led by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) - the Aboriginal Communities Waste Management Program (ACWMP). The ACWMP is a four year Program (2017-2021) and has funding of $4 million.

The aims of the ACWMP are to:

• Reduce bulky waste, litter and illegally dumped waste;
• Develop effective waste management systems through service delivery agreements and improved infrastructure;
• Reduce safety and health risks by establishing a clean physical environment; and
• Build and maintain effective partnerships between communities, LALCs, local government and waste service providers to improve waste management practices into the future.

The Program is being rolled out in two Rounds with each Round being made up of three Stages.  The Program's three stages are:

Stage 1: Expression of Interest Stage (EOIs)

Stage 2: Development of Community Rubbish Management plans (6-12 months)

Stage 3: Implementation of plans, which is likely to include improved waste-related infrastructure, delivery of improved waste management services, and a clean-up of rubbish in communities. 

In 2018, following the Stage 1 EOI process, 16 discrete Aboriginal communities were eventually selected to progress to Stage 2 of Round 1 of the Program and have been funded to develop their Community Rubbish Management Plans over 6-12 months. The 16 communities selected were:

In February 2019, following another EOI process,  14 more discrete Aboriginal communities were chosen for Round 2 of the Program:

In the coming months, the above 14 Round 2 communities will receive funding of $25,000 to progress Stage 2 of the Program which is the Developing of a Community Rubbish Management Plan and community engagement over the next 6-12 Months. 

For further information on the ACWMP, please visit the Program's webpage