Waste measures across the region
Published on 28 August 2018
Rockhampton Regional Council has today passed a number of measures to assist rural ratepayers’ transition away from Roadside Bin Stations which are closing across the region.
Waste Committee Chair, Councillor Neil Fisher, said while the initiatives were targeted at rural ratepayers, all ratepayers will get some benefit.
“Council has reduced the minimum charge at all of our waste facilities right across the region, from $8.50 to $5.00, which covers half a 240L wheelie bin of waste,” Cr Fisher said.
“With Roadside Bin Stations being closed across the region due to environmental and safety issues caused by repeated illegal dumping of hazardous material, those rural communities have been asking for transitional measures.
“To assist residents in the Alton Downs and surrounds area, Council this week extended the opening hours of the Alton Downs Transfer Station to;
May to August: 2pm to 5pm (Tuesday and Thursday)
9am to 3pm (Saturday and Sunday)
September to April: 3pm to 6pm (Tuesday and Thursday)
9am to 3pm (Saturday and Sunday)
“Council will also be sending out surveys shortly for those residents to give feedback on a proposal to expand kerbside collection into some areas of Alton Downs, Pink Lily and Ridgelands.
“For communities who use the Bajool, Marmor, Upper Ulam, Bushley, Westwood, and Gogango Roadside Bin Stations, Council is constructing two new Waste Transfer Stations at Bajool and in the Western Area.
“While construction is underway, Council is looking at a weekly waste truck and fortnightly recycling truck with residents to determine locations and times in the upcoming survey.
“This has already been discussed with those communities at community meetings last week with a survey going out this week so local residents can tell us their preferred times.
“While this process is underway, Council has moved the closure of all Roadside Bin Stations back with all facilities to be closed from October 1st with constant monitoring during this time for hazardous material.
“We’ve always said that closing the Roadside Bin Stations was not something we wanted to do but the repeated finding of illegally dumped material including asbestos, live ammunition, corrosive batteries and diseased livestock carcasses pose an unacceptable safety and environmental risk to site visitors,” Cr Fisher said.
The minimum charge will take effect from October 1st .