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Council Phones Ring Hot On Hard Waste Issues

Latrobe City Council’s phones have been ringing hot this week following the distribution of rate notices with accompanying hard waste vouchers.

By Latrobe City - 12th September 2007 - Back to News

Latrobe City’s chief executive officer, Paul Buckley, said residents trying to contact Latrobe City have been experiencing difficulties getting through to council’s 1300 367 700 number since Monday.

"This is due to the larger than normal number of calls coming in. We apologise to our customers experiencing difficulties and remind customers of alternative methods for contacting us, such as by email to latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au or via our online 'Make a request' link at www.latrobe.vic.gov.au," Mr Buckley said.

Mr Buckley said there had been an immediate and strong demand for the hard-waste pick-up service that council has reintroduced. "Response has been overwhelming and we have immediately extended the deadline for residents to book for the first service by another month. Bookings are now open for this first service until Monday 15 October," Mr Buckley said.

Mr Buckley said a number of calls had also been received from residents enquiring whether they could opt out of the new hard waste service. "The service has been reintroduced as a result of our listening to the community’s considerable demand for its reinstatement. Like any government service there will be people in the community who embrace the service, and others who have little need.

"Preschools, schools, libraries, maternal and child health services, parking facilities, railways, airports, business development and outdoor swimming pools are all services and facilities provided by governments at different levels. Some people in our community will use each and every service, and some people very few; but we are all required to contribute taxes or rates for the provision of these services," Mr Buckley explained.

Mr Buckley said the reintroduction of a hard waste service in Latrobe is a step forward for the community. "In April 2006 council resolved to evaluate the feasibility of reintroducing a kerbside hard waste collection service. As a part of the evaluation process council established a project group with representation from Advance Morwell, the Traralgon Chamber of Commerce, Churchill & District Community Association and the Moe Traders Association (delegated to Merton Ward Residents Association), WorkSafe Victoria, councillors and council officers. However, council, the project group and Latrobe ratepayers all recognised that no service can be delivered ‘free’.

"The concept of vouchers paid for through an annual garbage charge, which are redeemable for ‘free’ disposal of hard waste at the transfer stations, encourages our ratepayers to dispose of their hard waste responsibly, which should discourage illegal dumping," Mr Buckley explained.

"Effectively it means that when the time comes to dispose of the odd trailer of hard waste, cost is not going to be a factor.

"For those unable to deliver their hard waste to the transfer station themselves, a pick up collection can be booked during two periods within the year at a cost of $43 plus the three vouchers for up to 1.5 cubic metres of waste. Pensioners and health card holders are eligible to receive the pick up service for $30 plus their three vouchers they receive with their rate notices. The first pick-up service can currently be booked and a further service can be booked for April, with the dates for booking being advertised prior.

"Council will additionally continue to provide two ‘free’ weekends for disposal of green waste at the Pine Gro green waste facilities each year. With the likelihood of another difficult fire season well on the cards this year, these initiatives are likely to prove their worth," Mr Buckley added.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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