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A free kerbside clean up service for Highlands pensioners could see all ratepayers handing over an extra four per cent in annual waste charges.
About 3700 pensioners would benefit from the proposed program, according to council data.
The program would be offered through council’s kerbside clean up service if approved, which is currently available to residents twice yearly on a book and pay system at a cost of $77 per service.
Whether the proposal goes ahead or not, residents may still pay more annually for their waste collection. A 2.5 per cent increase has been proposed for domestic waste charges for the 2017/2018 financial year.
The idea for a free collection for eligible pensioners developed at the February 8 council meeting.
Cr Ian Scandrett suggested a free yearly pick-up for all residents, however, Cr Larry Whipper’s suggestion to limit it to eligible pensioners was favoured by fellow councillors. Council then resolved to investigate the possibility of one free collection per year for eligible pensioners.
The service, if approved, would be available to residents who own and live at the property and hold a Centrelink or DVA pensioner/concession card or a DVA Gold Card for Extreme Disability Adjustment (EDA) or Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI).
Residents can provide feedback on the proposal, which is open for public comment. It is on exhibition as part of council’s draft ‘integrated planning and reporting’ documents, which include the 2017/2018 Fees and Charges schedule.
The draft documents are on exhibition until Sunday, May 28 and can be viewed online at www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au or council’s Moss Vale Civic Centre and libraries.
Feedback and submissions can be sent to mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au, the General Manager at PO Box 141, Moss Vale, NSW 2577 or lodged online at www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au prior to midnight on May 28.