More than 60 NSW councils have issued a call for the State Government to guarantee fuel supplies for Council garbage and waste collections in the face of increasing fuel shortages and costs.
The meeting of Councils convened by LGNSW President and Inner West Council Mayor, Darcy Byrne also proposed that any fuel cost increases incurred for waste collections be subsidised by the waste levy Councils pay to the Government.
“Councils across NSW are gravely concerned that without a guarantee of fuel supply, garbage services will be disrupted in coming weeks and months,” President Byrne said.
“That’s why we have today called with one voice for the NSW Government to commit to supplying the fuel we need to deliver basic services.
“Councils are already at the front line in terms of waste collection and we need the State Government to partner with us to ensure that any increased costs are not being borne by us or our communities.
“Across the state this year, Councils and landfill operators will pay almost $900million in a waste levy that currently just goes into consolidated revenue. That money needs to go back into the system to help soften the blow of increases in the cost of petrol.”
President Byrne yesterday met with NSW Treasurer, Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Penny Sharpe, to outline the position of local government.
At the request of the Treasurer, LGNSW says it will be collating information on experiences and impacts from local Councils about fuel distribution issues.
“We’re happy to assist the State Government by providing this information direct from Councils on the ground,” said President Byrne.
“In this situation, Councils really are best placed to inform Government responses and policy.”
Following Wednesday’s meeting, LGNSW also confirmed it meet with senior representatives from the waste sector to jointly discuss responsible ways forward for communities, Councils and waste service providers.
