In a recent move, the Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has put forth its draft Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) suite, including a host of proposed increases to the domestic and commercial waste fees and charges for the 2024-25 financial year. This proposal, intended to guide planning, reporting, and financial management, is now under public exhibition for community consultation until June 3, 2025.
PHOTO: A host of council waste fees and charges are proposed to increase in 2025-26 CREDITS: SMRC
The draft IP&R documents, which outline the Council’s direction and service levels, include notable adjustments in waste disposal fees, across both the domestic and commercial sectors at council waste facilities.
For domestic waste, the minimum charge for unsorted waste will increase from $5 to $6.00, representing a 20 percent increase, while the standard 120 litre domestic bin will increase from $10 to $11, marking a 10 percent rise. The fee for disposing of domestic waste per tonne, would lift to $205 from $195, translating to a 5.1 percent increase. Similarly, the fee for domestic waste per cubic metre is set to increase from $65 to $68, marking a 4.6 percent rise.
PHOTO: Residents can now share their views on the fee increases.
On the commercial front, waste collection per cubic metre is poised to increase from $63 to $66, representing a 4.8 percent hike. Commercial recycling collection per cubic metre will also rise from $49 to $52, a 6.1 percent increase. Unsorted commercial waste per tonne will increase from $500 to $600, a hefty 20 percent rise. You can find these and other proposed changes in the Fees and Charges 2025-26 document.
“As part of our commitment to maintaining and improving services, we must occasionally adjust fees to reflect the true cost of service delivery,” explained Mayor Chris Hanna. “We invite the community to examine these proposals closely and provide their feedback.”
PHOTO: SMRC Mayor Chris Hanna.
Residents who wish to engage in this crucial consultation process are encouraged to submit their views via the Council’s Your Say consultation site, by email or during upcoming in-person sessions. “It’s easy to share your view with us, and the team’s available to answer any questions you might have,” Mayor Hanna emphasised.
The Council intends to collate community feedback and present a post-exhibition report at the June Council meeting. This will allow councillors to consider the community’s views and amend proposals where required.
The move to adjust fees is reportedly rooted in the Council’s need to align service costs with the growing infrastructure demands of the region. These adjustments are also said to be essential to sustain the quality of current services and to prepare for future community needs.
The 28-day consultation period will conclude at 4 pm on June 3, 2025, providing residents ample time to voice their opinions and shape the future of the region’s community services.
How money do you think people have not every can afford to pay it and you want to add more money to it.so no don’t not put the prices up just coz you have a job the pays well think of the people who don’t work or are on a pension.
No, exactly! Rates are already too expensive. People on low fixed incomes can’t afford this.
No, please do not raise it again. Bad enough we pay for greenwaste collection and still have to pay to deliver our bigger greenwaste to the tip if it can’t fit in the bin! Can’t afford the rent, let alone all the other bills and fees!