By Emily-Rose Toohey
The kerbside waste expansion that officially commenced on 4 April is still a major concern for rural Southern Downs residents due to its cost and a lack of initial community consultation from council.
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) has invited feedback from concerned locals in the wake of these complaints, which has been championed by SDRC Mayor Vic Pennisi.
“This waste management strategy decision has been made over many councils,” Cr Pennisi said.
“Obviously we didn’t get it right, the engagements we did wasn’t the right one and I acknowledge and take ownership of that.”
On the 24 March, a group of Wallangarra residents sent SDRC environmental services manager Darryl Brooks a letter signed by eight property owners in the area regarding the expanded service.
The letter said that at no time whatsoever were the residents of the lower end of Paling Yard Road approached or consulted regarding the practicality or the necessity of the Waste and Recycling Bins.
“Had the residents been consulted, the SDRC would have saved the cost of delivery of the bins,” the letter said.
“All residents of the lower end of Paling Yard are between the ages of 60 and 75 years and the length of the driveways on their properties is considerable.
“These two factors render the proposed arrangement impractical and absurd.”
The letter continued by stating that none of the residents had a use for the bins and they requested their instant removal.
“Residents have absolutely no intention of paying for a service that was never requested and, considering their ages, is unfeasible in every way,” the letter said.
An anonymous Stanthorpe local, who will be unnamed for privacy reasons, echoed this letters sentiments in her own letter addressed to council.
She said that herself and her partner were against the expansion and believe the service for their property is ridiculous.
“It is unfair and unreasonable to impose this service on rural people,” the source said.
“We are an elderly couple who manage our waste disposal well – our food scraps are composted, the paper goes to mulch our gardens, and the recycle is taken to the Summit Dump once a month on our way to town.”
She said that they did not ask for or want a bin service.
“When a survey is done and the majority wants bin collection, then and only then will we pay the cost imposed,” the source said.
Nonethless, Cr Pennisi said he will endeavour to ensure this dissatisfaction through a lack of consultation does not happen again
“We can’t change the past but we can change the future,” he said.
