FOGO service set to continue as an option for trial participants

Published on 16 August 2022

Rockhampton Regional Council has today endorsed an option for the Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) trial participants to continue to receive their FOGO service beyond the trial closing date of 30 September.

Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said this is another step in the right direction toward our community reaching Zero Waste by 2050.

 “Overall, we have been very pleased at how the community in those trial areas have adapted to this new service,” Cr Latcham said.

 “The results of a mid-trial survey conducted in June this year showed that 84% of the 144 respondents supported a continuation of the organics service.

 “63% of those respondents were in favour of a compulsory continuation of the service.

 “What Council has endorsed today, is an option for participants to opt in for the continuation of their FOGO service or return to a two-bin system.

 “Continuing this service for our current participants would come a cost to Council of just over $36,000 per year.

 “A business case is currently being prepared in support of a community wide roll-out of the FOGO service, but this is not likely to occur before mid-2024.

 “So, while this work is being done, we think this is a wise investment in a cohort of the community who have demonstrated their willingness to adapt to change, and may champion a future community-wide roll out.

 “As we approach the final month of the FOGO trial, I really want to thank all the participants in households that were selected across Gracemere, Northside and Southside locations. 

 “For most, it has been a smooth transition to using the new service, and through our regular bin audits, we have been able to identify where households may need a little extra support.”

 For more information on FOGO and the move to Zero Waste visit:

 https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/CouncilServices/Rockhampton-Regional-Waste-and-Recycling/FOGO-and-the-move-to-Zero-Waste-by-2050