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The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services

The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.

By news@gippsland - 31st August 2026 - Back to News

The Nationals in government will guarantee Gippslanders a weekly general rubbish collection, according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien who has backed the commitment as a commonsense measure that will make life easier for families.

Danny O'Brien said Gippsland households are paying more for waste services while receiving less, making weekly rubbish collection essential for families

Waste costs rising

Mr O'Brien said households across Gippsland were paying more for waste services while receiving less, with many councils moving to fortnightly rubbish collections. "For families with young children, larger households, elderly residents and people managing medical needs, waiting two weeks for a rubbish collection simply isn't practical. Weekly rubbish collection is an essential council service and Gippsland families should be able to rely on having their red bin emptied every week."

Mr O'Brien said that while waste collection was generally a council responsibility, Labor's policies had increased costs and contributed to poorer outcomes for households. "Labor has dramatically increased the landfill levy, which has added to council costs and ultimately impacts ratepayers.

"I believe our local councils are doing their best, but when residents are paying more and getting less, it's time for the state government to step in and provide some commonsense leadership. A weekly red bin collection should be the minimum standard for households, regardless of where they live," Mr O'Brien said.

Weekly waste collection

The Nationals in government will require councils to provide weekly general rubbish collections for households, review the rate of the landfill levy and apply the rates cap to council waste charges. Mr O'Brien said the commitment will provide certainty for households while helping address growing concerns about waste management costs.

"This is about restoring a basic service that many people expect and rely on. Families shouldn't have to worry about overflowing bins or storing rubbish for a fortnight. Weekly collections are a simple, sensible service that helps keep homes and communities clean," Mr O'Brien said. The commitment forms part of The Nationals' plan to ease cost-of-living pressures and ensure Gippsland families receive better value for the charges they pay.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
  Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.
• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• Wellington Shire Council updates flood mapping to improve safety, planning, climate resilience and development decisions across the municipality
  Wellington Shire Council is updating flood mapping and planning controls, incorporating climate impacts, to improve safety, guide development and manage flood risks. Public submissions close 2 November 2026.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
  Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions.