Two-thirds of residents are unhappy with the current fortnightly red bin collection model, according to feedback received by Greater Shepparton City Council.
In addition, more than 80 per cent of respondents to a community survey said their general waste bin was full or over-full when put out for collection, and a similar number wanted it emptied more often.
However, while council has agreed to look into the costs involved in reverting to a weekly collection schedule, such a move is considered “unlikely”.
At its August meeting, council noted the finding of the community feedback report on the red bin fortnightly collection.
The report came after a notice of motion was put forward by Cr Ben Ladson and seconded by Cr Fern Summer during the May council meeting.
The community survey received over 1800 responses.
The results of the survey showed that 58.12 per cent of respondents said their red bin was “over full” when placed out for collection and 25.16 per cent indicated their red bin was “full”.
Also in the report, 79.9 per cent of survey respondents said having their bin collected weekly or more frequently was important to them.
When looking at satisfaction with their kerbside collection service, 66 per cent of respondents said they were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.
The report recommended that council increase the promotion of the 360 litre yellow bin, nappy collection service and textile disposal points as well as increase education around correct disposal of waste and organic materials.
The report did suggest that council should continue to operate on a fortnightly collection system for red bins.
Cr Ladson thanked both the bodies involved in obtaining the report and the community members who completed the survey.
“I’d just like to thank the CEO and council for going out to investigate or go out into the public for their feedback about council’s position, and thank those that submitted their feedback for their responses,” he said.
Cr Summer, who seconded the motion, commended Cr Ladson on his work regarding the report.
“I’d like to start by applauding Cr Ladson for initiating this report, instead of accepting this decision and moving forward blindly, despite all consequences, Cr Ladson has taken a logical force,” Cr Summer said.
“He’s asked to stop and assess how the roll-out is going in the face of community resistance.”
Cr Dinny Adem pushed back on Cr Summer’s comments, siding with council’s decision to change the kerbside collection schedule.
“Council weren’t blindly moving forward without any reaction to community feedback, that would have happened anyway,” Cr Adem said.
Cr Geoff Dobson congratulated the waste management team on its work during the roll-out.
“I’d like to congratulate the waste management crew for delivering the service that they’ve had today,” he said.
“It’s probably the most difficult service you’ve got to produce because you’re going against the combined idea of 100 years of how to dispose of rubbish.
“This is a whole new ball game, and if anyone thinks this is going to happen in five minutes, they’re totally wrong.”
Deputy Mayor Sam Spinks was cynical about the original motion but said she was pleased with the results received.
“Credit where credit is due, not to the original motion but to the council staff that have managed to turn the initial vague request for consultation into something of actual substance,” Cr Spinks said.
“Nonetheless, the consultation that was created has managed to provide excellent data back to us.”
Cr Anthony Brophy admitted that although he was originally sceptical of the survey request, he was pleased with the outcome.
“I think it’s been great in terms of what we ended up getting out of this because of the critical analysis that’s been done, the practical feedback that we’ve received from that and the solid recommendations,” he said.
Cr Greg James spoke highly of Cr Ladson’s work in bringing the motion forward.
“I welcome the investigation and well done to Cr Ladson because he’s basically mirroring what our community has been asking, so well done because he’s bringing the voice of community back into investigations,” he said.
Mayor Shane Sali said that he would always support councillors seeking information to help them understand what council was trying to do.
“It (waste management) is something the community like talking about, and rightly so, because it effectively impacts every ratepayer in Greater Shepparton,” he said.
“I supported the motion before because I’m supportive of if you want information and our executive team can deliver that, why would I withhold information for someone?
“But again, there’s no recommendation in there to change from what we’re proposing at the moment.”
The council noted the findings of the survey unopposed.
Towards the end of the council meeting, Cr Ladson gave a notice of intent to move, hoping to get an outline of the risks and benefits of reverting back to weekly red bin collection.
“I’m just seeking a report, information,” Cr Ladson said.
Cr Summer seconded the motion, saying the council “owes it to the public” to find out the information sought in this report.
“After what we saw with the red bin survey, I think we owe it to the public to have a look, really,” she said.
“This is an opportunity to get some costings around it and I have a feeling once the costings come back, it’s going to be a lot higher than anyone, including the public, anticipate so it’s unlikely to eventuate in any actions.”
Cr Adem spoke against the motion, saying that the information would be sought regardless.
“I think this report is absolutely unnecessary,” he said.
“Any time we ask for a report, there is a cost, there are resources required, I just won’t support it based on that, I think the information is irrelevant to a degree.
“The organisation has an idea of what the cost and benefits are, getting this report is another waste of time.”
Cr Spinks was highly critical of the request for a report, directly calling out Cr Ladson’s intent behind it.
“I am so disappointed in this notice of motion and the intent behind it,” she said.
“Do we really not believe our community can do this?
“I will not support this motion today which, let’s be clear, looks like it’s just a request for costings, but is either asking for the information with no intention of doing anything with it or in fact is hiding an intention to act and to revert the decision.”
The motion was carried, with Cr Sali, Cr Dodson, Cr James, Cr Ladson and Cr Summers all in favour and Cr Abdullah, Cr Adem, Cr Brophy and Cr Spinks against the motion.
Results will be brought to council at the September council meeting and made public as well.