South Burnett Regional Council ban cash at Murgon, Wondai, Nanango tips

New changes coming in at several South Burnett tips have sparked outrage from the community, with some claiming they will lead to more illegal dumping.

The South Burnett Regional Council’s choice to go cashless at the Murgon, Wondai and Nanango waste facilities has received negative feedback from the shocked community.

South Burnett residents are fuming over a council decision to dump the use of cash at several of the region’s tips, despite the council saying it will reduce the risk of break-ins at the sites.

The new policy brings the three facilities in line with the Kingaroy tip, where the use of cash was already abolished.

Major change in how residents pay for tips on the way

Payment for these sites will now be handled by EFTPOS or through a monthly account.

Residents have blasted the decision on social media, flagging concerns about the new policy.

Teresa Holding said the change was ridiculous.

“As long a cash is currency it should be accepted,” Ms Holding said.

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Another resident said the cash ban will increase the rate of “fly tipping” around the region.

“This will lead to lots more rubbish dumped along our less travelled rural roads,” he said.

Another said, “It’s going to be interesting when the phone network and EFTPOS is down”.

“A frequent occurrence across the South Burnett,” she said.

A council spokesman said facilities which accept cash posed several risks to the council, including theft and damage from attempted break-ins to facilities.

“Whilst this will not totally eliminate the risk of break-ins, it is expected to lower risks,” the spokesman said.

“The disposal of domestic waste is in most cases is fee free, therefore the changes will not impact most users.

“However, with commercial waste disposal attracting fees the move to cashless facilities will provide council a more robust tracking mechanism of commercial operators using these sites.

“There is no policy intention or proposal to move to cashless operations for other council facilities or for any other fees and charges and if the EFTPOS machine isn’t working, customers will still be able to access the waste facility,” he said.