Mitchell Shire residents have welcomed The Nationals’ commitment to weekly red bin collections if elected in government this November, with regional Victorian families no longer having to wait two weeks to get rid of their household rubbish.
The Liberal and Nationals have committed to guaranteeing weekly red bin collections across Victoria, ending the fortnightly arrangements that have left many Mitchell Shire households with overflowing bins and unpleasant smells.
The Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the policy would provide welcome relief for local families dealing with increasingly difficult waste collection arrangements under Labor.
“Victorian families are paying more and getting less from this Labor Government, and fortnightly rubbish collection is a perfect example,” Ms Cleeland said.
“People should not have to live with an overflowing red bin for two weeks because Labor has decided that basic household services are something Victorians can simply go without.
“Under our government, every Victorian household will be guaranteed a weekly red bin collection.”
Mitchell Shire is among more than 30 Victorian councils that have moved to fortnightly general waste collections, leaving families to manage household rubbish for up to two weeks at a time.
Ms Cleeland said the impact was particularly significant for families, older Victorians and households in regional communities like Mitchell Shire, where alternative waste disposal options can be limited.
“This is about common sense and giving families a basic service they can rely on,” Ms Cleeland said.
“If you have a full bin, you should not have to wait another seven days before it is emptied.
“Families should not have to choose between cramming rubbish into an already overflowing bin, paying additional fees to dispose of it elsewhere, or simply putting up with the smell.”
The move to fortnightly collections has also been linked to a rise in illegal dumping and littering, as households run out of space and turn to other means of getting rid of their rubbish.
“When bins can’t cope, rubbish ends up where it shouldn’t – dumped on roadsides, in reserves, or left to litter our towns,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Nationals has a clear plan to make sure Victorian households get the services they pay for.
“While Labor continues to make life harder and more expensive, the Nationals are offering a practical solution that will make a difference at the kerbside every week.
“The next Victorian election is a choice between more of the same under Labor, or a fresh start with a government that listens to families and delivers the services they need.”
