The State Government charges a landfill levy, which applies to municipal, commercial and industrial and prescribed industrial wastes that are deposited onto licensed facilities in Victoria. The State Government recently announced an increase in the levy from $9 to $30 per tonne, which will have an adverse financial effect on local government, since councils provide waste management services on behalf of their respective communities.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on this increase and the ramifications it will have for Maroondah City Council.

Last week, Maroondah Mayor Alex Makin, said the plans to increase landfill levies would result in higher council rates for residents.

“Council can confirm that the increase to landfill levies would need to be accounted for in Maroondah’s annual budget,” he said. “This would likely be covered by a rise in overall municipal rates and charges.”

The Mayors and CEOs of councils across the Eastern Suburbs met on Thursday the 25th of March, whereby the Councils unanimously questioned the timing and magnitude of the levy.

While the levy is used to promote recycling and the sustainable use of resources, there was very little consultation across local government, despite the cost it will have for Councils and the community.

While I can certainly appreciate the Government’s intent in encouraging sustainable waste management, it is imperative that all levels of government operate cooperatively to ensure the best outcomes for the community, as such sufficient consultation should have been undertaken with local government and the community.