Motorists are not the only ones battling rising fuel prices alongside inflation, with the current situation also forcing Campaspe Shire Council to propose an increase in waste services fees in response to escalating costs.
On April 14 Council released its proposed fees and charges schedule for the financial year 2026-27, and invited community members to provide feedback via a survey which is available online or in hard copy at Council customer service centres. Among the proposed changes are temporary increases of 2.25% for resource recovery centre gate fees, and 5% for quarry services, to be applied while the fuel crisis remains current in Australia.
Council also proposes to increase kerbside waste services fees by 9.6% for the 2026-27 financial year.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell said Council wanted to be clear with residents about how the fuel situation and rising inflation were impacting its operations.
"Each year, Council reviews its fees and charges to ensure they remain fair, transparent, and reflective of the cost of delivering services to the community.
"While there are a number of fees and charges that we propose to increase in order to keep our services viable, the kerbside bin fee will be the one that impacts the majority of ratepayers," he said.
"Kerbside waste fees are proposed to rise because increases to the cost of fuel and the related increases in inflation have surged well beyond forecasted levels.
"There are limits to how much of these costs Council can absorb," Cr Mackrell said.
"The proposed increase helps Council recover unavoidable contract costs, keeps waste services operating safely and reliably - and remains lower than the average cost charged by many neighbouring councils."
Cr Mackrell said more than half of Council's waste budget was tied to contracts - the cost of which decreased or increased based on fuel prices and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
"Even a 9.6% waste services fee increase would still result in a small cost deficit to Council, but it would largely stabilise the service," he said.
Council reminds residents there are ways to help keep their waste services fees at a minimum:
- If you live in an area that's eligible for Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) green bins, make sure you opt in - as doing so significantly reduces the fee for your red (general waste) bin;
- You can have as many yellow (recycling) and green (FOGO) bins as your household requires; and
- Make sure you put all recyclable and compostable items in your yellow and green bins respectively, which may allow you to reduce the size of your red waste bin, saving you money.
- If you are unsure what can go in each type of bin, visit Council's website or download the Recycle Mate app.
