Swan Hill Rural City Council is seeking community feedback as it prepares for the introduction of a new Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside service, which will become mandatory for all households before 1 July 2027.
The introduction of FOGO is part of a statewide initiative to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and turn food and garden waste into valuable compost to support agriculture and improve local soils.
Before the new service begins, Council is inviting residents to share their thoughts, ask questions and help shape the support and information needed to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Mayor Cr Stuart King said community feedback would play an important role in ensuring the new service meets the needs of local households.
"FOGO is a significant change to the way we manage waste, and we want to make sure our community is well informed and supported every step of the way.
"We know every household is different, which is why we're asking residents to share their experiences, concerns and ideas before the service begins.
"By working with our community early, we can make sure the rollout is practical, easy to understand and delivers the best possible outcome for our region," Cr King said.
Once introduced, all households will be required to place food scraps and garden waste into their green-lid FOGO bin, with food waste no longer accepted in general rubbish bins.
Council's Director Infrastructure, Leah Johnston, said the consultation would help Council understand what information, resources and support residents need.
"We want to hear from the community about what will help make this transition successful. This feedback will guide our education campaign, identify any barriers residents may face, and help us provide the right support before and after the service begins," Ms Johnston said.
Residents are encouraged to have their say now by completing Council's short survey and sharing their feedback on how the new service can best be introduced.
