It is estimated the new service will cost Council approximately $70,000 per annum with an additional $115,000 required for the purchase of bins to commence the service.

Council had previously resolved to establish the new service for all existing domestic waste management customers, including the purchase of a 240 litre green waste bin at no additional cost to ratepayers. The cost was instead to be incorporated into the existing Domestic Waste Management annual charge.

Councillors resolved at the 15 February 2018 Council Meeting to reaffirm Council’s commitment to provide a garden waste service, but first make an application to the NSW EPA for grant funding to undertake bin audits, bin purchasing and an associated education campaign.

Council’s General Manager, John Bell, said Council’s application for grant funding would defer the introduction of the garden waste service until at least April 2019.

“While the garden waste service will no longer commence as planned in 2018, if successful, the grant funding will save Council in excess of $115,000, freeing up those funds for other waste- related projects,” Mr Bell said.

“If the grant application is unsuccessful, Council will still proceed with the garden waste collection service for the all existing domestic waste management customers as previously planned – that is, at no extra cost to ratepayers.”

Council will write to all existing domestic waste management customers shortly advising them of Council’s decision.

At the 15 February 2018 Council Meeting Councillors also voted in support of a notice of motion put by Cr Paul Culhane that a report be prepared for the 2018/19 Budget workshop on which properties which currently do not receive a domestic waste kerbside collection service, may be added to the collection route.

For further information, please contact Council’s Operations Division on 4830 1000.