RATEPAYERS are being urged to attend Bathurst Regional Council’s monthly policy committee meeting tomorrow night to join a silent protest over the proposed green bin service.
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Western Advocate Windradyne Whisperer columnist Lachlan Sullivan says it is time for those who are against the idea to make their presence felt.
Mr Sullivan has been at the helm of the campaign to convince councillors to give residents a chance to opt-out of the new service.
“All that people have to do is turn up to the meeting,” he said.
“It is a kind of silent protest.”
Mr Sullivan says a green bin is “great” for those residents who need it, but it shouldn’t be forced upon all residents at the cost of $100 in their annual rates.
He says this sentiment has been expressed to him explicitly by a number of residents.
“I think what has really got up people’s noses is the fact it’s compulsory,” he said.
Mayor Gary Rush yesterday reinforced the fact that a survey was put to the public to gain feedback about environmental sustainability in the region.
“There were 900-plus respondents to that survey, which in the grand scheme of things is a good response,” he said.
The survey revealed 81 per cent admitted to putting organic waste in the garbage and 74 per cent had in-principle support for environmental sustainability initiatives even if it was at a slightly more expensive cost.
According to council, feedback on the green bins since the recent uproar has been limited.
“Council has received six letters and 15 phone calls and mostly they are people who say they already compost and don’t need the service,” Cr Rush said.
He also noted that council received a grant from the NSW Government in June 2014 towards the cost of the bins to encourage local governments to invest in preserving the environment.
By taking advantage of the grant and taking steps towards sustainability, council predicts it will save ratepayers $1.5 million per annum in the future.
Cr Rush said people are welcome to attend the council meeting tomorrow night.
He is unsure whether Cr Bobby Bourke’s recent notice of motion for an opt-out period for the green bin service will be successful.
“The councillors have resolved previously to adopt the introduction of the green bin,” Cr Rush said.
“Until that notice of motion is discussed at council ... I certainly won’t know what will happen.”
