Tara Murray
Flexibility and the ability to explore new waste management technologies in the near future is a key driver in Brimbank council’s decision not to lock in a four year waste management contract.
The council’s current contract with Cleanaway expires on March 31.
At a special meeting last Tuesday, the council agreed to a four-year contract with Cleanaway, but only guaranteed for 12 months – giving the council the power to review the contract annually.
An officers report originally recommended the council award a four year guaranteed contract to Cleanaway.
Mayor Ranka Rasic said for far too long Brimbank and the western suburbs have been a dumping ground for waste.
“The amended motion I have brought tonight will mark the beginning of a broader plan to minimise rubbish dumped right here in our backyard.
“Committing to one year, gives us an opportunity to explore all other opportunities to waste management…That will have huge benefits for the environment and ratepayers too.
“My intentions are for Brimbank to lead by example and it’s time for long term solutions for waste management.
“We have been elected by the community first and this amended motion is just about giving council more flexibility to consider options that will benefit the community and our environment.”
Cr Bruce Lancashire said waste management is going through a significant period of change.
“The change of going from a four-year guaranteed contract to a one year guaranteed contract over four years gives council certainty of waste disposal and the ability to look at new ideas in waste management and added incentives to investigate and explore these new options,” he said.
“Council will rely on some sort of landfill for the immediate future, however an array of new ideas and technologies need to be considered as a sense of urgency if we are to reach our environmental goal , minimise of waste going to landfill.”
Councillors also agreed to a non-guaranteed four year contract with Hanson Landfill services for renewable waste energy. Contracts with Hanson and Cleanaway both start on April 1.
