Toowoomba Regional Council overturns decision on bulk kerbside collection after Kerry Shine’s impassioned speech

Councillor Kerry Shine’s impassioned speech to his colleagues has led to the Toowoomba Regional Council overturning its own decision on bulk kerbside collection, with a trial to be considered.

Cr Kerry Shine has managed to get a trial on bulk kerbside collection passed through council. Photo Bev Lacey

Toowoomba residents could potentially get a bulk kerbside collection service, after the council sensationally overturned its own decision to reject a trial program.

Councillor Kerry Shine’s alternate motion at Tuesday’s ordinary meeting to investigate a short pilot service was narrowly endorsed by a vote of 6-5.

It comes just a week after the chamber voted in committee to follow the council officer’s recommendation that no action be taken on a kerbside collection, despite a survey of more than 900 residents showing broad support for it.

Mr Shine’s impassioned speech at the ordinary meeting was enough to sway colleagues Tim McMahon, Geoff McDonald and Rebecca Vonhoff into voting for the motion, along with existing supporters Megan O’Hara Sullivan and James O’Shea.

Mr Shine disagreed with officer Matt Torr’s report, which argued it would pose a safety hazard, lead to illegal dumping and only be used by a minority of residents.

“I propose that the trial, and the scheme if adopted, be based on the true and tried successful and extremely popular scheme that operates in Townsville,” he said.

“Where bulk kerbside schemes operate, they have actually seen a reduction in the amount of illegal dumping.

“It, like the pools, libraries, art galleries and even our gyms, is accessible by all if residents choose to do so.”

Councillors Bill Cahill and Nancy Sommerfield both argued against Mr Shine’s motion, with the latter arguing it was not “core business”.

“Council needs to stick to its core business, and that is not people picking up someone else’s rubbish because they are unable to do it themselves or pay someone to do it,” Ms Sommerfield said.

“This is how we get budget blowouts – we dabble in things that are not core business.”

The council’s water and waste department will now complete a report to explore how the trial will operate, with participants expected to pay a small fee for the service.