Bin collection changes aim to limit landfill

CITY of Greater Bendigo councillors have agreed domestic waste collection changes that will see red lid bin pick up in the municipality change from weekly to fortnightly with food organics, garden organics becoming a weekly service.

The changes, made at the regular council meeting on Monday, 30 January, are aimed at reducing the amount of waste ending up in landfills, with the Eaglehawk tip expected to reach capacity this year.

The kerbside reforms are also in line with the City’s Climate Change & Environment Strategy.

Cr Jennifer Alden said too many contaminates, or waste being placed in the wrong bins, was occurring and the changes should help quell the issue.

“We need to much better with what is put in the general waste stream,” she said.

“46 per cent [of waste collected] is contamination and of that 28 per cent is organics which could be moved via the weekly service.”

 

Farmland given go ahead

Lot 7, Bradford Road at Lockwood will soon become a small farm area after amendments were made to a previous proposal.

The farm will see the planting of several trees including olive, cherry, apple, and peach as well as see the land used for sheep grazing and egg production.

Following the initial 2021 submission, council had required clarification regarding the number of trees to be planted, what further construction was needed and the potential impacts to native vegetation.

Cr Alden said “upon fulfilment of conditions proposed” the farm could be a boon for the area.

“I would consider that the proponent is well on their way to a successful agricultural enterprise,” she said.

 

Petition has merit

A petition put to council requesting “local design professionals and construction companies are afforded the opportunity to participate in all Commonwealth Games development”, has found in principal support.

The call was submitted by Matthew Dwyer, director of Y2Architecture, and contained hundreds of signatures.

“The City will do everything it can to advocate on behalf of the community,” said Cr Matthew Evans. However, the final verdict is out of councillor’s hands.

“The end decisions are made by the games authority and the State Government,” he said. “It has been impressed upon us that when decisions are made at that level, they are binding.”

 

Contracts Awarded

Four service contracts there were awarded under delegation at a cost of over $1.7 million combined were announced, with three of them going to Bendigo businesses.

Cr Julie Sloan said the only contract not going to a Bendigo based business didn’t receive a submission.

“I’m just really pleased to see those local contractors appointed,” she said. “Hopefully going forward this can be built upon.

The contracts awarded were for provision of logwood recovery, cleaning of Bendigo events and venues, Bendigo Easter Festival risk and emergency consultation, and provision of traffic management services.

 

Subdivision sent to minister

A permit application for the subdivision of the land at 21 Pratts Park Road, Strathdale, into 39 residential lots received 15 feedback submissions from the public.

Two submissions were in support of the plan with 13 against or requesting more information, with the most common complaints regarding the extension of Northmoor Drive and traffic congestion at the intersection of Pratts Park and McIvor Roads.

An independent panel will now be appointed by the State Minister for Planning to review the submissions.

Cr Margaret O’Rourke said she had spoken to a number of the residents against the application and is all for the independent panel.

“I can see why there are concerns by the residents,” she said. “I feel this process allows them to have their say if they choose to be involved.”

 

Youth council in session

Councillors have okayed the 2023-24 Bendigo Youth Council with 21 applications received for the 18 positions.

Ten of the 18 Youth Councillors are returning for a second term.

Youth Council terms are for two years and at the end of each year all 18 Youth Council positions are re-opened.

The new group is made up of 10 women, six men, and two gender diverse people, with only five of the members over 18 years of age.

Cr Evans sat on the interview panel said he is looking forward to seeing what the newly announced Youth Council can achieve.

“Their agenda will be expansive,” he said. “Including, but not limited to, overseeing of a youth action plan.

“They will hit the ground running and have already completed training, with briefings and meetings to commence next month.”