Broadmeadows electorate
Kathleen MATTHEWS-WARD (Broadmeadows) (14:46): (1173) My constituency question is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport, and I ask: what can be done to address the ongoing issue of cigarette butt litter at Glenroy Station. I was recently contacted by Alice Walker from the Clean Up Glenroy group, a dedicated team of locals who volunteer their time to pick up litter, protect our environment and encourage pride in our community. Led by the wonderful Flower Jogiya-Mitchell, I have had the pleasure of joining them a few times, and I am so grateful for their commitment to keeping Glenroy clean. On Sunday 18 March 10 volunteers from the group spent more than 2 hours cleaning up Glenroy station and the surrounding area. Despite their hard work, they were unable to remove all the cigarette butts due to the sheer volume. They have written to me requesting the installation of cigarette bins. Although smoking is banned at train stations, cigarette litter remains a problem at Glenroy station, and a practical solution is needed. I also take this opportunity to give a shout-out to 15-year-old Jed Vacirca, who volunteers every week to pick up litter and tend to the gardens at the Itiki sporting club. It is truly inspiring to see a young person so dedicated to looking after our community environment.