Robin Harrison, Binna Burra
There are many people on rural properties, particularly around here, with profound environmental concerns who have taken a very real interest in their own waste management well before Council ever did and, indeed, have greatly influenced Council’s later efforts.
When Council eventually provided rural garbage collection a lot of those folk declined the service as they already had their waste-management well in hand and in some aspects the waste management practices of Council were not up to their standard.
There was, however, an impost, the same cost as uninhabited properties, about $25, because the service went past their gate. Fair enough, a contribution to the common good.
Council have now changed their policy. These folk will be charged full price for the service whether they use it or not. The reasons given:
1.Encourage responsible household waste-management practices.
These people have been doing that for much longer and far better than Council. Waste management that causes regular damage to the Brunswick River is not exactly the high moral ground.
2. More equitable financial contribution by ratepayers.
These folk already contribute to a service they don’t use.
3. A consistent charging policy across urban and rural areas.
Ah yes, the money.
4. Reduce illegal dumping and use of public bins.
These people are unlikely to contribute to that problem.
Imagine if you had a shop selling a product or service and you could pass a bylaw making the purchase of your stuff compulsory, a marketing wet dream. It could even be legally okay in the finest legal and political systems money can buy but I suspect there are morally superior pirates.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
