Community & Business
30 June, 2026
No New General Waste Charges for Residents
Gilgandra Shire Council will not be implementing some minor changes to Gilgandra Waste Facility (GWF) fees and charges this new financial year, following on from a community consultation on tip charges.
Original proposed changes requiring shire residents to pay additional fees when taking general waste and uncontaminated green waste to the GWF will not go ahead, instead only a new disposal fee of $5 per timber pallet will be included.
The proposed changes to the GWF were put forth in April in council’s general meeting with new fees and charges including $5 per wheelie bin for domestic general waste for shire residents, $5 per wheelie bin for uncontaminated green waste, $15 per ute or box trailer load for uncontaminated green waste, $20 per cubic metre for all other uncontaminated green waste, and $5 per timber pallet.
"Council has listened to the community, with councillors resolving not to introduce the proposed new household rubbish and green waste disposal fees at the Gilgandra Waste Facility for the 2026/27 financial year," council stated in a media release.
Throughout the 'Have Your Say' survey, run over May and June, more than 100 formal submissions were received by council.
Community replies were raised outlining concerns over fairness and equity with some viewing the new fees as ‘double charging’, arguing that ratepayers are already paying significant fees and believe that they shouldn’t be charged more.
Further comments received through the survey include concerns over how the added payments will affect residents during current cost of living pressures, others expressed worry that the increased costs will lead to more illegal dumping of rubbish including burning or burying waste.
Taking into account community concerns, council will not be going ahead with the $5 per wheelie bin for domestic general waste for shire residents, $5 per wheelie bin for uncontaminated green waste, $15 per ute or box trailer load for uncontaminated green waste, and $20 per cubic metre for all other uncontaminated green waste. Council will, however, go ahead with implementing the new fee of $5 per timber pallet.
Council noted that fees and charges for the GWF will need to be assessed in coming years in order to ensure necessary revenue can be reached by the facility. Updated Fees and Charges will begin on July, Wednesday 1.
Mayor Batten said council appreciated the level of community participation and thanked everyone who took the time to provide feedback. "Community feedback has played an important role in this decision. We received a significant number of thoughtful submissions that highlighted the community's concerns, and council has carefully considered this feedback alongside the long-term challenges facing waste management services," said mayor Batten.
