TASMANIA’s litter index has shown improvement, after the state was labelled the most littered in the nation for the last four years running.
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Data released by the state government yesterday showed there were about 65 pieces of litter per 1000 square metres in 2014.
In the last four years, the state recorded between 83 and 86 pieces of litter per 1000 square metres.
Environment Minister Matthew Groom called the find ‘‘pleasing’’.
‘‘ It has been a very unwanted record for Tasmania to be rated as having the worst rates of littering in the country over the previous four years,’’ he said.
‘‘While this is a positive sign it is very important we continue the improvement, as we know litter continues to be a problem in various sites around the state.
‘‘Cigarette butts continue to be the most frequently recorded litter item in our state and I urge smokers to be particularly vigilant in making sure they dispose of cigarette butts correctly.’’
Mr Groom also announced a commitment to the Keep Australia Beautiful Tasmania program in the state budget.
‘‘The Tasmanian Government has been a strong supporter of Keep Australia Beautiful Tasmania’s programs. I am pleased to announce that we will be continuing to support their programs this year with funding of $30,000.