Resource efficiency just the thing

SPRINGVALE businesses are being invited to sign up for a project that aims to help them reduce waste and become more resource efficient.
The Dandenong Creek Catchment Local Industry Efficiency Program (DCC LIEP) aims to assist small to medium-sized local manufacturing businesses to improve resource efficiency by reducing waste, energy and water use, and enhance the quality of stormwater run-off that enters Greater Dandenong’s waterways.
Stage one of the DCC LIEP, which is jointly funded by the council, Environment Protection Authority Victoria and Sustainability Victoria, will roll out in October.
The entire project includes four stages, each targeting a specific area in Greater Dandenong.
The DCC LIEP has the scope to assist 90 businesses within the city by its completion in June 2009.
Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea said project officers would conduct free business operations audits and suggest no-cost or low-cost ways to reduce waste and become more resource efficient.
“It is important that we continually look at ways of reducing our impact on the environment,” Cr Chea said. “This can often have positive spin-offs for businesses, including money saved thanks to a more efficient use of resources.
“The Dandenong manufacturing sector is nationally significant, accounting for around 15 per cent of the nation’s manufacturing production.
“This provides an opportunity for the region to take a lead role in implementing environmental initiatives and make significant environmental savings.”
Small and medium manufacturing businesses interested in taking advantage of the free project can phone Robert Powell on 9797 1791 or Kane Millard on 9797 1788 for more information, and to check their eligibility.
More than half of the 20 places available in Springvale have been booked.
Businesses are encouraged to register soon to avoid disappointment. This project has been supported by the Sustainability Fund.