Two similar motions were put forward to investigate the cost and feasibility of free kerbside rubbish pick ups for ratepayers across the Highlands.

The first motion, held over from unfinished business at the final meeting of council last year, was put forward by Cr Ian Scandrett. It proposed that council staff investigate the costs associated with a “twice-yearly, free kerbside clean up collection” for residential ratepayers.

Cr Scandrett he felt the service should be available to all Highlands residents, and had been motivated by trips to the shire’s northern villages where rubbish collection was a common concern of residents.

Although the motion was initially submitted by Crs Scandrett and Larry Whipper, it was defeated in an eight-to-one vote, with all councillors bar Cr Scandrett against the proposal and Cr Whipper withdrawing his support.

Councillors questioned the feasibility of a “free” program and stressed the high costs to council for providing a collection service. “It’s not free – everyone pays for it in their rates and only a certain number of people use it,” Cr Graham McLaughlin said.

Later in the meeting, Cr Whipper tabled a motion of his own that proposed a once-yearly collection for eligible seniors only.

“There are several people in this community at a disadvantage. Let’s define what an eligible pensioner is and see if it’s possible,” Cr Whipper said.

All councillors voted to support the motion. Council staff will prepare a report to consider the costing, logistics and feasibility of providing one free kerbside collection per year to eligible pensioners.

Council currently has a user-pays kerbside rubbish collection program in place. Bookings are open now for council’s summer clean up session. A flat rate of $77 with 1 per cent surcharge for credit cards applies for each collection and two cubic metres per household is allowed every six months.

Bookings and payments must be made by Friday at 4.30pm the week prior to the collection period for your area. Clean-up is only available to residents who have a council domestic garbage service. For 2017 summer collection dates and information on how to book a collection visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/services/waste-recycling/council-cleanup-dates---summer