MOORABOOL Council’s waste costs have increased almost 500 per cent in three years.
Documents from the draft 2013-14 budget, approved by council last week, show the Environmental Protection Authority levy on all waste into landfill has soared from $9 per tonne in 2010-11 to $53.20 this financial year.
As reported by the Weekly, Moorabool residents face an average rate rise of 5.5 per cent.
The budget shows governance costs — including those relating to the mayor, councillors and chief executive, general managers and associated support — have risen from $1.7 million to $2.2 million in the past two years.
The draft budget revealed the introduction of a carbon tax had had a “significant impact on council’s costs, in particular costs associated with electricity and gas and waste disposal”.
“There will not necessarily be an increase in costs this year due to the carbon tax,” council chief executive Rob Croxford said.
“The impact of the carbon tax was experienced last year, but the costs still remain a cost to council.”
But disgruntled farmer Peter Toohey demanded “more for less” with the budget.
“Council has to find a way,” he said. “There’s no relief for farmers . . . it needs a rethink.”
Cr Tonia Dudzik asked if it was fair that the shire’s aged and less fortunate residents would have to pay 50 cents more for each community and delivered meal. Council will look into a possible price freeze.
Several councillors voted to delay the release of the draft budget and Cr Paul Tatchell asked that council be given an extra fortnight.
“I’m not comfortable with it,” he said. “People are struggling. There’s pain in the agricultural industry and businesses on Main Street are paying extraordinary rates.”
Cr Toohey said the budget process would provide adequate time for consultation. “No budget will ever be perfect,” he said. “Some years you have no feedback, others you have significant amounts.” —Ben Cameron
