Sarah Oliver
Moorabool residents could be getting some relief from unsightly dumping of rubbish in the community soon.
Council moved two motions put forward by Cr Rob Ward at a meeting on December 1, both relating to the clean up of illegal rubbish dumping in the community.
The first motion asked chief executive Derek Madden to prepare a report on providing residents with one free hard waste collection service per year, beginning in the 2023-24 financial year.
Cr Ward said the provision to residents will likely help to decrease illegal dumping in Moorabool.
“Significantly … I’ve put forward this notice of motion because I’m deeply concerned about the increase in illegal dumping of rubbish throughout the council.
“We are privileged to have one of the most beautiful councils in Victoria, and spending a lot of time on the road I’m growing more and more concerned … so I think the provision of such a service would help us keep such a beautiful council,” he said.
Cr Ward also requested the report take into account residents’ support, stating some wards may not want the service.
The cost of the service will also be taken into consideration.
The motion was carried, four to two and an update will be heard at a later meeting.
Cr Ward also asked Mr Madden prepare a report on providing residents with two transfer station vouchers with each annual rates notice, starting in the 2022-23 financial year.
“Again, this is driven by my concern about illegal dumping of rubbish in our beautiful shire. I think it will lead to an increase in resident satisfaction,” he said.
The current transfer station gate charge is $64 for a heaped trailer, which is equivalent to a one metre cubed trailer.
The provision of vouchers would increase the rate payer’s waste management charge by $39.
Cr Ward said if council implemented vouchers that the increase in rates would therefore save them on the cost of taking their rubbish to the transfer station.
Deputy mayor Tonia Dudzik seconded the motion, stating there has been support in the past for tip vouchers.
“It has been brought to council previously and it missed out by one vote.
“We have a new council and I think it’s important for us to vote on this issue because I think that you will find that issuing tip vouchers…there’s a large portion of our community that would support this and it may help prevent some of the illegal dumping,” she said.
Cr Paul Tatchell raised concerns for residents who may never use a tip voucher but would have to pay the increase in waste management rates.
However the motion was carried and the findings of the report will be presented at a later council meeting.
