Lockyer Valley Regional Council is removing its $10 domestic green waste fee until a wider decision can be made about collection and processing.
Councillor Julie Reck says that the decision, which was endorsed by council at its last meeting, takes effect immediately.
“This fee has been on hold since it came into effect on July 1 and no one was charged while we waited for this review,” she says.
“In the past, it was free to dispose of up to an 8×5 trailer load of uncontaminated green waste at our transfer stations per day; this decision means that will once again be the case.”
Cr Reck says council is still considering an opt-in green waste service.
“We’re looking at our options to reduce the amount of organic waste going into landfill, including investigating the possibility of an opt-in garden organics service,” she says.
She says the cost of collecting and processing waste is rising and council’s ability to absorb those increases is limited.
“(We) felt a review of the fee was the obvious next step given we have not yet made a decision about a green bin service as we had hoped.”
Council’s new charges originally included the $10 fee for domestic green waste greater than 240L (wheelie bin) and up to a standard trailer load, to help cover the rising cost of processing the green waste.
For details: visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/waste-facilities or call 1300 005 872.
RELATED STORY: Laidley, Gatton green waste collection trial ending
LOCKEY COUNCIL FUNDING INVITATION
Council says they are now accepting major community funding applications for non-recurrent grants of $1000-$4000 from non-profit groups to run projects, activities or events.
Lockyer Valley Mayor Cr Tanya Milligan says council wants local groups and sports clubs to apply for the grants.
“Eligible projects include any that encourage participation by new people in community wellbeing activities and groups, benefit a wider population and help the group be more sustainable.”
Already, 15 non-profit community organisations received grants in the last round of funding. They were: Forest Hill Cricket, Forest Hill School of Arts, Forest Hill State School P&C, Gatton Baptist Church, Gatton Glenore Grove Rifle Club, Gatton Pony Club, Gatton Table Tennis Association, Gatton Uniting Church, Hatton Vale Community Uniting Church, Helidon RSL Sub-Branch, Laidley Agricultural and Industrial Society, Lockyer Equestrian Group, Lockyer Valley Veterans Support Centre, Ma Ma Creek Church of Christ and Uniting Church in Australia Laidley.
Applications close on September 15.
OTHER COUNCIL NEWS
Laidley Pool: The Dal Ryan Memorial Pool’s re-opening has been pushed back to November with council’s flood repair works due to start in early October. Council says repairs should take several weeks before the pool is refilled and recommissioned. An opening date has been flagged by council for early- to mid-November. Council says the pool operator and schools have been alerted.
World Lakes Day: A communal planting day to celebrate World Lakes Day will be held next Wednesday (August 27) from 9am to 12noon at Lockyer Waters; assembly is at the Lockyer Waters Community Centre at 36 Topaz Crescent. Planting equipment will be provided but attendees are asked to wear a hat, closed-toe shoes, dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Free morning tea and refreshments will be provided. To register, your attendance, visit the Upcoming Events section of Council’s website.
Tenthill Creek Road: Drainage upgrade work is happening along Tenthill Creek Road, Lower Tenthill (between Ingoldsby and Dwyers roads) from 6am-6pm until Friday, September 12. Traffic management will be in place and drivers can expect minor traffic delays.
Art gallery exhibitors: the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery is looking for exhibitors next year. They are taking applications until August 31. To apply, visit https://lockyervalley.smartygrants.com.au/LVAG26
RADF open: Individual or communal artists and cultural groups in the Lockyer Valley are invited to apply for Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) funding. Apply at www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/RADF before 10am on Monday, September 22.
