I an attempt to provide some basic facts surrounding the issue of kerbside green waste collections, I’ve responded to Ross Peddlesden’s proposal as published in the News-Mail on 19th January.
As you’ll see in the following Letter to the Editor which was published in today’s edition, it’s all well and good to put forward proposals which at first appear to be attractive however somewhere down the line our ratepayers deserve to be told the truth about the likely costs involved so they can make an informed decision.
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The lead up to elections is always an interesting time when enticing proposals are put before residents but are often lacking cost estimates, potential funding sources or matters of operational efficiency.
Ross Peddlesden like many aspiring candidates before him, is raising the age-old issue of kerbside green waste collections (N-M 19/1/16). I’m happy to provide the facts on this as it’s an issue which has been raised at every budget deliberation that I’ve attended over the past 16 years and including the current Council which has over 125 years of collective local government experience.
In his letter he advises “I’ve never denied the fact that there’d be a set up cost…”
This is correct. The current desk-top estimate for capital works is in the vicinity of $10,000,000.
He further states, “…instead of paying over half a million dollars a year for a service which doesn’t meet people’s needs, we could consider investing in a service which will be better for ratepayers and the environment”.
The current desk-top estimated for annual operating costs for Mr Peddlesden’s proposal (including loan repayments) is in the vicinity of $4,500,000 or $120/year for every rateable property within a declared domestic collection area, including those in retirement villages & units.
The feedback that I’m receiving is that property owners don’t want additional charges on their Rates Notice and that a 240L waste bin wouldn’t handle their palm fronds, branches, etc. so they would still need to make occasional trips to the tip.
Should the wider community, having been properly advised of the practical and financial implications, indicate that it does in fact want this additional service, then it’s something that the Council should certainly consider.