Residents of the Gold Coast may soon face a new waste disposal charge, as the city council deliberates on implementing a user-pay system for landfill waste. The proposed structure would require a fee of $5 for each visit to waste collection centres, while services for recycling and green waste would continue to be offered at no cost.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate highlighted the ongoing debate between adopting this user-pay model and maintaining a flat fee system across the city. Currently, the Gold Coast City Council is the only local authority in South-East Queensland that does not impose fees at its waste centres. In contrast, neighbouring councils have established charges, with Brisbane City Council levying more than $17 per visit, and fees on the Sunshine Coast starting at $15, depending on the volume of waste.
The concept of implementing tipping fees gained support during a recent closed budget meeting and is set for further discussion at council sessions. There is a clear division among residents regarding this potential change, as some worry that introducing fees may escalate the problem of illegal dumping in the area.
One resident expressed frustration at the prospect of paying more in light of current inflation, while others voiced fears that charges would lead to an increase in rubbish being discarded on the streets. Concerns about illegal dumping have been echoed by multiple residents, noting that the introduction of a fee could incentivise people to bypass official disposal methods.
In addition to the potential fee, the council also considered closing the Merrimac green waste facility to allow for upgrades to a sewerage treatment plant, but ultimately opted to relocate the facility within the waste centre instead.
The council is expected to announce its final decision regarding the tipping fees when it reveals its budget in June, which will be pivotal in determining how waste management will be handled moving forward.