Yarra council revives idea of implementing controversial bin tax

Yarra council is reconsidering a plan to slug residents with a bin tax despite the idea prompting a storm of controversy five years ago.

Yarra City Council is investigating the potential introduction of a separate waste charge.

The troubled-plagued Greens-run Yarra council has flagged another attempt to slug residents with a bin tax next year, five years after the idea was shot down amid a storm of controversy.

The latest bin tax proposal comes after the Herald Sun revealed in 2017 the inner-city council’s bid to hit residents with an annual $247 rubbish charge.

While many councils have a separate waste levy, Yarra is one of a handful which does not, because its rubbish removal cost is historically embedded in rates.

“Council will also be investigating the potential introduction of a separate waste charge in its 2023/24 Budget,’’ Yarra’s draft long-term plan said.

Socialist councillor Stephen Jolly described the proposal as a rate rise by stealth. Victorian rate rises are currently capped at 1.75 per cent.

“Rather than evaluating excessive salaries internally or asking for state government assistance, the council is making locals pay more for less,” he said.

Weekly recyclable collection was dumped by Yarra council in favour of fortnightly collection in 2020 to the dismay of many residents. Picture: David Geraghty,

Cr Jolly said the council was “happy to stand alone” on progressive initiatives, but then wanted to fall in line with other councils on a revenue-raising waste charge.

Weekly recyclable collection was dumped in favour of fortnightly collection in 2020 to the dismay of many residents.

Yarra Residents Collective founder Adam Promnitz said the idea of implementing new charges while halving services was “tone deaf” at a time when the cost of living pressures on residents would increase.

“This council isn’t doing a good enough job if they can increase cost of services for residents,” Mr Promnitz said.

Yarra’s Greens Mayor Cr Sophie Wade said: “What council is flagging, is its intention to investigate the options and implications of a separate waste charge as part of its 2023-24 Budget process.”

“The implementation of a separate waste charge in the future would be subject to extensive community consultation.”

The latest storm follows revelations that Yarra was hitting families hard by pushing up kids’ swimming pool admission, lessons and residents’ parking permits.

The state government appointed a monitor to Yarra last December, to effectively performance manage the administration.

The City of Port Phillip has recently proposed intentions to include a “separated out flat waste charge” as part of the their Council Plan and Budget for 2022/23.

Eligible residents would be charged $176.20 under the council’s proposition, with properties receiving FOGO service to be charged an extra $88.10.

“A new waste charge is more transparent as it would clearly show how much is being charged for waste services,” City of Port Phillip mayor Marcus Pearl said.