MOUNT Gambier City Council will cut waste transfer station fees for Mount Gambier residents by 40pc next year in a move to provide financial relief to ratepayers.
Councillors rejected the initial recommendation to increase waste transfer fees by 9pc in light of the State Government’s shock solid waste levy hike.
After conducting his own financial calculations, Cr Christian Greco adjusted the motion to instead cut the fees by 40pc.
“One of the common things that has been brought up to me by people in the community is that it costs to much to dump there,” he said.
“This will offer people some relief.
“Because of these fees, people do dump illegally, so hopefully it helps alleviate a little bit of that as well.”
The cost of dumping a caged trailer load of rubbish will be reduced to $80.40 from January 2020, down from the current price of $134.
Cr Greco said the financial burden of the cuts will be counteracted by increasing the Caroline gate fees for residents outside of the district to $190 as originally proposed by council.
“Increasing the gate fee to $190 will get us a result of around $200,000 extra revenue and in the last financial year, the waste transfer station fees got us approximately $100,000 – by cutting that in half it will still be $50,000,” he said.
“Yes there might be greater uptake, yes that means more might go to landfill, but if in the worst case scenario it costs us $100,000, we are still up $100,000 overall.”
Cr Max Bruins proposed an amendment recommending council wait until the end of the financial year before making such a significant cost change.
“Rather than make a decision on the fly, we actually consider it as part of the 2020/21 budget process and leave the waste transfer station fees as they are until June 30,” he said.
“I’m all for a reduction in the fees, I just think we need to take a considered approach.”
The amendment was seconded by Cr Morello who considered Cr Bruins’ suggestion was a suitable approach.
Cr Hood also supported the amendment, but commended Cr Greco for making a “bold move”.
“If we do lower these waste transfer fees, we would see an increase in waste going to that place,” he said.
“We as councillors should understand the increased pressure that puts on the waste transfer station services, where that waste will end up and the cost implications of that on council.”
However, the amendment was lost after remaining councillors Greco, Perryman, Jenner and Amoroso all voted against it.
Councillors were clearly torn on the issue throughout the discussion, however the original motion was carried after receiving a favourable vote of 4-3.
