Problem 1: Green bin charges

As one of our members has pointed out to us, the new policy makes no sense to charge for additional green bins.

 The only owners who have two green bins are those on large blocks or have 2-3 lots, so they already pay more in council rates.   Additionally, the council has established policies designed to increase its tree canopy, including by insisting owners plant two trees for every tree removed: increasing tree canopy is a good thing, but the policy also means council is mandating more green waste being created.

A number of residents believe the new policy should be abandoned.

Problem 2: bin charges encourage bad behaviour

One of our members has pointed out that charging for bins dis-incentivises people from buying bins when they actually need to be buying them. 

Households being irresponsible with waste is a real problem. On our stretch of Abbotsford Road we have the problem of certain overpopulated houses (probably illegal boarding house) shoving their rubbish into other people’s red bins on bin night, which then props the bin lid open and makes a mess when the wildlife comes prowling. One nearby house shoves bags and bags of rubbish into multiple red bins down the street. 

Mayor’s proposed action plan

  1. The Mayor, Cr. Baladi, agreed to meet.
  2. He listened to the concerns.
  3. Is moving the following motion at the next  council meeting. (23 June 2025)

Altered Residential Waste Services Policy

I MOVE:

      1. That Council prepare a report investigating an amended Residential Waste Services Policy that includes the following considerations:
        • That Council waive the fee currently applied to a second 240L green-lidded Garden Organics Bin for residential properties;
        • That the cost of other additional waste services be reviewed and adjusted accordingly to offset the financial impact of this change.
      1. That Council defer implementation of the updated Residential Waste Services Policy—specifically, the cessation of unpaid additional bin services—by one month, with a revised policy to be considered and adopted at the July Ordinary Council Meeting.

Councillors

  1. Motion by the Mayor passed.
  2. For: Baladi; Cai; Kim; and Reddy.
  3. Against: Pensabene; Nosworthy; and, Blackmore.