New long- awaited garbage trucks for Lismore

THE first of a new fleet of eight state-of-the-art garbage trucks was unveiled by the state and local government in Lismore last week.

The NSW Government funded Lismore City Council with a one-off $5 million grant to purchase eight new vehicles, enabling the council to secure and improve its waste collection services following the impacts of the 2022 floods.

Lismore City Council mayor Steve Krieg said the modern fleet was a game-changer.

“Previously, there was hardly a day when at least one of our waste trucks was off the road being repaired, meaning missed pickups. Our ageing existing fleet meant that waste services were not sustainable into the future,” Krieg said.

“I would like to thank Minister Ron Hoenig, our local representative Janelle Saffin and the United Services Union’s Graeme Kelly and Stephen Hughes for working with the council to find a sustainable and cost-effective solution.

“I would also like to thank the council’s mechanics, who have somehow managed to keep the outgoing fleet on the road for as long as they have, and also our waste drivers, who will now enjoy the advanced technology and improved safety of our new fleet.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said while it may not be glamorous, waste collection was one of the most important jobs of a council.

“It takes on even more importance in the wake of the devastation felt by this community,” Hoenig said.

“Having these trucks means the people of Lismore can now rely on efficient waste collection for years to come, and that the hardworking staff who make it possible have secure jobs into the future.”

Lismore City Council delivers 15,500 residential and commercial waste services and collects about 45,000 bins across its local government area every fortnight.

The other seven trucks in the fleet, with advanced safety, maintenance and tracking technology, are expected to come into service over the coming months.