KERBSIDE collection for smaller hamlets in Hepburn Shire will be rolled out in coming months, after heated debate at the council meeting last night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Councillors approved plans to introduce a fortnightly kerbside collection to just under 2200 people living in small towns.
People will receive a 140-litre general waste bin and a 240-litre recycle bin, starting on July 1.
Two free tip passes per year will also be offered to those affected. They will replace 12 tip passes currently offered.
Letters were sent out to all properties on the proposed kerbside collection list.
Many outlying properties on remote blocks aren't on the draft list, but council will consider opt ins if feasible.
Several residents rose to speak against aspects of the plan, saying the lack of tip passes would increase rubbish dumping in illegal areas and create discrepancies of services among the community.
Many became angry and shouted disapproval when councillors debated the matter, claiming council officers had not listened to the community.
One man said it was impractical to ask residents on large, remote properties to walk up long driveways to put a rubbish bin on the road, adding it was "actually impossible" to do this at many residences.
"Residents are happy with how it is now, they make do and we don't want a rubbish collection," he said.
However many councillors agreed the kerbside collection service would reduce costs and the environmental impact of waste services in the region.
Crs Kate Redwood, Sebastian Klein, Greg May and Don Henderson voted for the motion, as recommended by council officers.
Cr Don Henderson added an amendment to include two free tip passes for each resident affected, which was also approved by councillors.
It came after Cr Bill McClenaghan attempted to move an amendment to include two free tip passes and an option to get a smaller or larger bin; he also called on a full report detailing waste savings to be completed.
This was not allowed to be voted on, after the mayor determined it did not fit council rules.
Cr Klein threw his support behind the overall plans, saying it would work to reduce items going to landfill.
He said many residents had demanded a kerbside collection service over the years, and this was a good compromise.
"Council is saving $480,000 per year by (revoking the tip passes) and by giving (residents back two), we will still be saving $400,000," Cr Klein said.
Cr Bill McClenegan added tip passes would help with rubbish dumping problems in the shire.
The decision followed a survey of 2187 property owners in the nine collection areas.
Eight of the nine collection areas had support in excess of 65 per cent, with overall support of 69 per cent.
Non-responses were deemed a yes, and there was no provision to opt in or out.
Users will be charged for the service at a cost-recovery basis.
"Currently a portion of the general waste management charge paid by all ratepayers subsidises the tip vouchers provided to some residential properties," the report states.
"Extending the kerbside service will reduce this cost for all ratepayers."