While the City must be applauded for taking a strong stand on this issue over concerns of costs (Stirling Times, March 12), it should not be absolved of its responsibilities to service its ratepayers.
A big decision like this should have been determined after a community consultation period and increased awareness sessions among community members to elicit support for such a radical move.
Therefore, the City is now in a position to defend an indefensible position.
The City should be commended generally in reducing waste recycling within its boundaries (e.g. the ‘TV collection day’). However, it also needs to introduce town-planning laws banning non-biodegradable plastic bags along the lines of the City of Fremantle.
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Another big issue is taking a decision on the ‘cash for containers scheme’ that enables the recycling of plastic and glass bottles and containers providing cash to residents and community groups.
The Western Australian Local Government Association strongly supports this scheme so the City needs to have the guts to issue a local law that supports the introduction of a containers scheme that allows residents to swap waste for cash.