Mayor’s Message - 17 February 2023

Many would agree that roads, rates and rubbish are the three most important considerations of any council and the latter one is about to become increasingly important for Ballarat as residents get to give their thoughts on how we recycle and collect waste. 

In line with State Government changes, Victorians will soon be sorting their household waste and recycling into four streams. 

Some confronting statistics show that in 2021-2022, more than 24,000 tonnes of were sent to landfill in Ballarat and currently we spend around $28,000 a day to dispose of waste. 

The environmental and financial costs will continue to grow unless we change how we recycle and reduce waste. 

Last year we asked the Ballarat community to complete a short survey on how we should sort out our waste collection. We had more than 2,176 responses online and in-person. 

Based on that feedback, the City of Ballarat has come up with a range of kerbside collection options. Commencing in March, the community will once again be invited to have their say on the options as part of a four-week consultation period.  

This input will help the City of Ballarat decide on a waste service that works for our community, whilst balancing the costs and benefits. 

After the feedback on the options has been taken into consideration, the Kerbside Transition Plan will be presented to Council for consideration. If adopted a timeline for the four waste and recycling stream collection service will be set. This initiative aligns with the City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021-2025 Goal 1 – An environmentally sustainable future. 

To learn more about why kerbside collections are changing in Victoria, visit ballarat.vic.gov.au/sortingourwaste 

In closing this week, a quick plug for the City of Ballarat’s City Partnerships Program which is now open and seeking applications. The program is designed to fund organisations or entities that deliver on the goals identified in the City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021-2026. For further information please visit ballarat.vic.gov.au   

Mayor 

Cr Des Hudson