Hard rubbish plea

By Paul Dunlop
RESIDENTS from three Cardinia communities are calling on council to bring back its hard rubbish collection.
Petitions signed by people living in Pakenham, Beaconsfield and Gembrook were presented to the council last week.
The hard rubbish collections were abandoned in mid2006 because of concerns that they made nature strips look messy.
Residents were instead given tip vouchers and council has also moved to a new green waste pickup, where lawn clippings and other rubbish are collected fortnightly.
When they approved the change last year councillors said the new system would be simpler and more efficient.
But Louise Sullivan of Beaconsfield said the old system was better. “Many residents are not suited by the new system,” she said.
About 150 people signed Mrs Sullivan’s petition when it circulated in the town late last year. Another 185 residents put their name to the petition, which canvassed support for the hard rubbish collection being reinstated in Pakenham. A similar petition in Gembrook was signed by 44 people before it was lodged with council.
The three petitions were tabled by Central Ward councillor Brett Owen, who said he supported the residents’ request.
“Council will be reviewing its hard waste service over the coming months in the lead up to the 200708 budget,” Cr Owen said.
“By tabling these petitions I hope to commence new discussions on this issue amongst councillors and council officers.
“When council reconsiders hard waste services in preparation for the 200708 budget I will be voting for the reintroduction of a roadside hard waste collection service.”
The tip vouchers cover two level trailer loads of rubbish a year, or four boot loads.
In exceptional circumstances, council will organise a contractor to help residents clean up, but they must pay for the service.
The new green waste pickup, introduced over the past few weeks, has been popular with many residents but has also been criticised in some quarters.
It was introduced after a survey found 65 per cent of residents were in favour of the change.