MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Green RIG to stick around a bit longer

Many members of public struggled to let the Green RIG go but today the environmental toolbox-on-wheels has been given the nod to return to the road in the short term.

Horizons Regional Councilors have decided to reconsider the future of the Green RIG with the majority agreeing that it is an educational instrument that the community clearly want.

At a Strategy and Policy meeting held on June 8, councilors voted 7-5 to discontinue the use of the Green RIG based on submissions from the Draft Annual Plan. However, these decisions were reconsidered at yesterday’s Council meeting.

Council ultimately adopted a plan whereby the RIG can return to the road using a combination of targeted rates and external funding.

Councilors that reconsidered their votes were Cr. Barrow, Cr. Burnell, Cr. Cox and Cr. Sheldon.

Horizons chairman Bruce Gordon was always for the RIG and believes this is decisions is great for the community and for the Council.

“Decisions regarding the Green RIG have always been tricky but the overwhelming amount of feedback received from the public couldn’t be ignored.

“As a result we will be bringing the Green RIG back into business, which will be beneficial to a variety of people throughout our community” Chairman Gordon says.

The long term future of the Green RIG is not totally clear but for the mean time it will survive using a $30,000 surplus from this financial year.

Once this is used up the RIG’s operational costs will have to come from external income or sponsorship.

“In the short term its great to have the Green RIG back out there in the community.

“But long term this educational tool needs sponsorship to continue providing the vital link between our environment, our communities and our Council,” says Mr Gordon.

ENDS

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