D-Day for FOGO service

The District Council of Grant wants to know if you support a future Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside collection service.

It was in September last year that council approved to conduct a three-month FOGO kerbside collection service trial to collect data on the feasibility of collections and consult the wider community on the level of support for providing an ongoing service.

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said the trial was one of the ways council was supporting the community to reduce their carbon footprint and creating a sustainable district.

“Food Organics and Garden Organic covers all organic waste usually generated at home in the kitchen and the garden,” Mayor Boston said. “Collection helps divert this waste from your red rubbish bin which saves space in your rubbish bin, reduces the amount and cost of landfill, and creates compost.

“Data from the current FOGO collection trial and feedback submitted during consultation will help Council make an informed decision on whether or not to roll out a permanent service in our district,”

“I strongly encourage all our residents and local businesses to provide feedback on their level of support for a future ongoing FOGO kerbside collection at their property.”

Investigations into a FOGO collection service stem from council’s core strategic document, the Strategic Plan 2024 – 2034. During the Plan’s development, it was identified that enhancing recycling services, particularly food organics, is an important opportunity for council to explore and support waste reduction.

District Council of Grant acting chief executive officer Gary Button explained one of the objectives of the of the trial is to gauge where a service would be sought and economically viable.

“Around 900 properties were identified in the areas of Compton, Moorak, Nene Valley and Port MacDonnell to participate in the targeted trial phase,” Mr Button said.

“Within these areas we are testing collection routes, understanding the general allotment sizes requiring a service, identifying participation rates and load weights, and any potential load contamination issues.

“Both data from the trial and written feedback during consultation will be reviewed and considered during the 2025-2026 Annual Business Plan and Budget planning process to determine if an ongoing FOGO kerbside collection service proceeds.”

District Council of Grant residents and businesses are encouraged to have their say on the Food Organics and Garden Organics kerbside collection service online at yoursaydcg.com.au

Hard copy feedback forms are available at Council’s Principal Office at 324 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell Community Complex at 5-7 Charles Street, Port MacDonnell.

Community consultation closes at 5pm Friday, February 28.