20 July 2017 – Media Release
Cumberland Council has flipped business-as-usual on its head by giving money to rate payers, with residents of the former Holroyd City Council being credited with $210 on their next rate assessment.
The unprecedented step follows the successful tender of URM Group to deliver the complete suite of waste services across Cumberland. The contract will deliver significant savings – 25 per cent when compared to the existing service.
The savings and security provided by the tender mean that the former Holroyd’s waste reserve (a $7m rainy day fund for waste service contingencies maintained by the former Council) can now be returned to residents.
Administrator Viv May said Council was firmly of the belief that former Holroyd rate payers should share in the efficiencies achieved.
“The large reserves held by the former Holroyd Council are no longer needed as the new contract reduces uncertainty – the risks go with the contract not the public purse,” Mr May said.
“Council has drawn a line under the previous garbage arrangements and a much more equitable outcome for former Holroyd residents now operates.
“The new service is not only cheaper but better. Allowing for enhancement in services, including a green bin for plant waste at no extra cost and the removal of reported dumped rubbish within one working day, the annual savings are in excess of $2.2m.
“Residents can also expect decreased wait times for pre-booked collections and no more early morning wake ups – the new collection service will start after 6am.
“Eligible residents will notice $210 credited to their rates assessment. Rates notices will be distributed from 21 July 2017.
“Cumberland Council is committed to providing the best possible value for residents and rate payers. The new waste services contract is an important step in this direction.”
More good news on the waste front in the Cumberland area will be available over the coming weeks at cumberland.nsw.gov.au.
