Coronavirus triples demand for bigger home waste bins as residents clean up

The council is confronted with a tough balancing act as demand for some services are tripling while commercial ratepayers want a refund on fees and changes.

THE council is confronted with a tough balancing act as demand for some services are tripling while commercial ratepayers want a refund on fees and changes.

On return to committee business at the Evandale chambers yesterday after the March 28 poll, the first series of council officer reports showed the challenges for council finances.

A report to the water, waste and energy committee explained how some utility charges were on council’s rates notice six months in advance.

The Gold Coast's successful bulk kerbside collections.

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“During the month of March, a number of commercial customers requested changes to bin services as a result of COVID-19 events,” the report said.

“It is anticipated that a further reduction in the number of bins in service will be reported next month once processing is completed.”

The adjustments to customer accounts would lead to a reduction in rate revenue, officers warned.

“It is anticipated that a number of customers will be seeking a refund of these charges,” the report added. Other entries showed “favourable financial reporting” before coronavirus.

“As a result of economic impacts on customers as a result of COVID-19, it is anticipated that the level of overdue rates will increase,” the report said.

“The City is currently investigating options to assist customers during this crisis, which will be addressed in the March budget review and 2020-21 budget process,” the report said.

But a lengthy briefing by officers to update new councillors showcased some increased demands on council services.

Number of Gold Coast residents using a bulk kerbside bin collection service.

About 5060 requests had been made by ratepayers for new flexi-skips bins with 1459 collections made as homeowners isolating on their properties undertook more renovation works.

“Participation has tripled over the past month,” a council officer said.

Councillors Glenn Tozer, Peter Young and Daphne McDonald and committee chair Gail O’Neill said the demand for the service, which provides a larger bin for household rubbish, was huge in their divisions.

Residents in divisions 8 to 14 who receive a wheeling bin service can apply for the extra service for free as part of the trial.

Briefing notes on a trial for the Gold Coast's bulk kerbside collection.

The trial, which began in February in some divisions, is likely to lead to a whole-of-city service depending on how the revenue from expansion can offset costs of hiring an outside contractor.

Cr O’Neill said officers would provide an updated report in either May or June before the budget and the councillors planned to attend a workshop exploring options on providing a citywide service.

“We will get a really good idea on the success of the trial or not. It’s just over 5000 households. We will know by budget time,” Cr O’Neill said.

Councillors expect to know more about the city’s revenue when CEO Dale Dickson produces his report on a stimulus package.