16 February 2017 – Media Release
At last night’s Council meeting a decision was made to adopt a new approach to Council’s waste services which will result in substantial savings for residents and enhanced service levels. This new approach will allow Council to overcome current inefficiencies and provide better value for residents.
Cumberland inherited three separate waste service methods which meant an expensive service for rate payers. An extensive review was requested by Administrator Viv May that included an investigation into a number of different waste service options based on the technical expertise and input of Cumberland staff and an independent verification review of Council’s processes. Council has now decided to invite tenders for the provision of higher quality and cheaper domestic kerbside collection of waste, recyclables, garden organics, dumped rubbish and clean up services. It is expected that the new service will commence around the middle of the year.
Savings were initially reported to be in the range of $16 million but after questioning Council staff at the meeting it was found that the savings are more likely to be $19 million over the next seven years, not including more than $10 million currently sitting in the waste reserve which will now be returned to the community.
“Council’s priority is to provide the best service to the rate payers at the cheapest price and we will be demanding this from the successful tenderer. Moreover, this option allows Council to implement a consistent high quality service that is the same for all residents” said Administrator Viv May.
“This decision was informed by community input. Council engaged an independent contractor who surveyed over 600 residents and 72% told us they would support an outsourcing of the waste services if it meant a reduction of their waste charge. In addition, 80% of residents from the former Holroyd area said they wanted a green bin and now they will get one free of charge.”
“Cumberland’s streets are too dirty and with this decision Council can ensure that dumped rubbish will be picked up within one working day of being reported.”
“Throughout the process Council acknowledged the potential impact on our staff. All staff were assured that whoever wants a job with Cumberland Council will have a job with Cumberland Council.”
“Working groups were established with affected staff and unions to ensure they were completely aware of their available options. Affected staff have been offered transition payments to transfer to another job within Council, enhanced redundancy options for those who would like to leave, and the ability to be considered for employment with the successful contractor.”
“During this long process we have listened to the issues that have been raised and we have confronted every one of them, from local employment to community consultation”
Mr May also requested that the tender provide options for a later collection start and that residents be professionally surveyed. “Having collections at 4am and waking up the neighbourhood is not a great way to start the day; let’s ask residents what they want.”
“This is part of a fresh start for Cumberland and Council is determined to deliver better value services of higher quality across the board” said Mr May.
