Councils want guarantees on fuel supplies

MORE than 60 Councils from across the state have issued a call for the NSW Government to guarantee fuel supplies for local government garbage and waste collections in the face of increasing shortages and costs.

The meeting of councils convened by Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Mayor Darcy Byrne also proposed that any fuel cost increases incurred by councils for waste collections be subsidised by the waste levy councils pay to the Government.

“Councils across NSW are gravely concerned that without a guarantee of fuel supply, garbage services will be disrupted in coming weeks and months” Mayor Byrne said.

“That’s why we have today called with one voice for the NSW Government to commit to supplying the fuel we need to deliver basic services.

“Councils are already at the front line in terms of waste collection and we need the State Government to partner with us to ensure that any increased costs are not being borne by us or our communities.

“Across the state this year, Councils and landfill operators will pay almost $900 million in a waste levy that currently just goes into consolidated revenue.

“That money needs to go back into the system to help soften the blow of increases in the cost of petrol.”

Mayor Byrne also met with the Treasurer and with the Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change to outline the position of local government.

At the request of the Treasurer, LGNSW will be collating information on experiences and impacts from local Councils about fuel distribution issues.

“We’re happy to assist the State Government by providing this information direct from Councils on the ground,” said Mayor Byrne.

“In this situation, Councils really are best placed to inform Government responses and policy.”

Moving forward LGNSW will meet with senior representatives from the waste sector to jointly discuss responsible ways forward for communities, Councils and waste service providers.

Concerns have also been raised over a range of other council services including the operating of council cemeteries and airports, the impact on community events and festivals, and the rising unpredicted cost of materials for ongoing projects, particularly regarding projects covered by Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.