Community feedback sought on green waste options
Over 6000 Highlands households are set to receive a postal questionnaire, courtesy of Council, seeking their views on the disposal of their green waste.
“The survey has been prepared to help us gather information on the type and frequency of service required as well as the willingness of ratepayers to pay for organic garden waste collections,” said Wingecarribee Shire Mayor, Councillor Juliet Arkwright.
“The end results will ultimately help us determine the most acceptable solution for our community.”
“A user pay kerbside organic garden waste collection service has been in existence since 2009; however, with the renewal of our current waste collection contract next year, it is an opportunity to look at a range of alternate options.”
“Initial figures supplied by the new waste contractor estimate that a regular green waste service would cost households around $78 per year, or $1.50 per week,” Councillor Arkwright said.
As part of the current analysis, 6000 randomly selected residents will be issued with a postal survey.
The questionnaire comes on the back of an initial survey conducted in March 2012 which looked at preliminary options, however, the results of this questionnaire were inconclusive and therefore Council has decided to survey a greater amount of residents.
Short-listed options included in the current survey are:
- Introducing a fortnightly 240 litre green waste collection service for all properties with an existing garbage service
- Providing a twice-yearly two cubic metre bulk pick up, or
- Continuing with the current ‘book and pay’ service.
Residents who do not receive a postal survey can still participate by logging into the online survey at: www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au, by phoning the Council hotline at 4868 0888 to have an Information Kit posted to them or by visiting Council’s Resource Recovery Centre, libraries or the Moss Vale Civic Centre in person and collecting the survey.
The survey results will form the basis of a report about the viability of offering a regular residential green waste service which will be presented to Councillors later in the year for final determination.
“The information we receive will help us better prepare a more accurate reflection of the Shire’s wishes in relation to the proper disposal of green waste,” Councillor Arkwright added.
“To that effect we encourage as many residents as possible to participate by either returning their postal surveys or by jumping on-line and filling out the electronic version.”
All surveys must be completed by Friday 23 August 2013.