The NSW government has secured a two-year deal with energy supplier AGL, for savings of up to 25 per cent on gas and electricity usage for seniors in the Hastings Valley. We have been working hard to secure these discounts, knowing that such savings are important to our seniors. 

From July 1, AGL will offer AGL Seniors energy plans for NSW Seniors Card holders. This includes a 25 per cent guaranteed discount off electricity and a 19 per cent guaranteed discount off gas usage charges. These energy plans last for 24 months are subject to change and include variable rates. 

For more information visit seniorscard.nsw.gov.au. To contact AGL or to sign up, call 13 12 45 or visit www.agl.com.au. 

Container deposit 

On December 1, the NSW government will launch its landmark Container Deposit Scheme. The scheme will give a 10 cent refund on eligible used drink containers, making it an incentive for people to recycle. It will also provide an opportunity for community groups and individuals to raise extra funds.

Every year in NSW, about 160 million drink containers are tossed into our parks, streets and waterways, making up about 49 per cent of all litter volume. The cost of cleaning this up is $180 million annually.

In South Australia, which has had a container deposit scheme since 1977, beverage containers make up only 2.2 per cent of litter. In 2015-2016, $58 million was refunded to SA constituents,

Sporting and community groups, schools and charities will be able to accept donations of eligible containers and then exchange them for cash at approved collection points. Eligible containers include most cans, bottles and cartons between 150ml and 3 litres. Exceptions are those consumed mostly at home and recycled in kerbside recycling, such as plain milk containers, wine bottles and large juice and soft drink containers.

A full list of containers and other information about the CDS is at epa.nsw.gov.au/waste/cds-intro.htm.