Green Waste Disposal

COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, 25 AUGUST 2009
AGENDA




BACKGROUND



The 2009 bushfires devastated large areas within the Shire and heavily impacted on the community. The disposal of green waste and in particular the accumulation of fine fire fuel is seen as a key to assisting residents to reduce the fire risk associated with their property.

Green waste is generally defined as material collected from domestic properties and takes the form of, small tree branches, prunings, grass clippings, leaves, flowers, weeds etc.

The CFA brochure Living in the Bush, Bushfire Survival Plan Workbook, Second Edition
2008 states that fine fuels (thinner than a finger) contribute most to the heat and spread of a fire. Fine fuels include dry grass, leaves, twigs and loose bark but do not include logs, branches and trees.



RECOMMENDATION
That:
1. The following actions be implemented to improve greenwaste disposal within the
Shire:

a) The promotion of the option to upgrade to a 240 litre bin for the kerbside green organics collection at an estimated additional annual cost of $15 per household.

b) Council offer free greenwaste disposal at all Transfer Stations servicing the
district (Wesburn, Coldstream Healesville and Lysterfield) for a one month period to coincide with the State Government promoted preseason cleanup, at an estimated cost of $250k.

c) A publicity strategy be developed to increase residents awareness and the
options available for greenwaste disposal (estimated cost $40k).


2. Subject to adoption of the above the sum of $290k be referred for inclusion in the
2009/10 mid year budget review.


email Daley Judy [J.Daley@yarraranges.vic.gov.au] for a full copy of the agenda.