A GROUP of residents has sought legal counsel in a bid to get Hepburn Shire to reverse or delay its decision to introduce a kerbside collection in smaller hamlets.
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Earlier this year, councillors approved plans to introduce a fortnightly kerbside collection to just under 2200 people living in small towns.
Two free tip passes per year will be offered, replacing the current 12 tip passes.
Mapping is currently under-way to determine exactly what households will be included in the new route, starting on July 1.
However many people remain adamant the service should not go ahead, saying the major problem was the way the vote was conducted.
The council sent out letters to everyone affected; non-responses were counted as a yes vote.
There were 633 'yes' votes, 672 'no' votes and 882 non-responses.
Coomoora resident Michael Sayn is one resident who not only disagrees with the collection, but the process itself.
"We are really concerned about the safety aspects and the practicality of all of this," he said.
"There are long driveways, roads that trucks just couldn't possibly access and this will increase road maintenance as well."
Fellow Coomoora resident Veronica Baker said country living was a way of life, and this service "threatened that".
"People who live in these towns are focused on recycling and what they use," she said.
"If individuals want a service, then they have a right, but it astounds me council has gone about it in this way - they are not encouraging people to take care of themselves.
"It should be more about education."
The group is hopeful council will delay the process, pending further community consultation.
Chief executive Aaron van Egmond maintained council had made a decision in the best interests of the community as a whole.
He said it was unlikely council would rescind the decision.
"Progress has been made to implement this particular decision of council," he said.
"Although the result of the survey did not satisfy everyone, (it is) not intended council will conduct a further process."
He said collection was anticipated to commence in July this year, with the existing kerbside collection contract to be altered.
A public meeting is expected to be held in coming weeks; this will be advertised in The Advocate when a date has been confirmed.
