The Town of Victoria Park council has rejected a proposal to investigate reinstating weekly general waste collections, following the introduction of the new Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) system.
Motion Details
New councillor Scott Ingram put forward a notice of motion requesting costings and a feasibility report on reintroducing weekly red bin pick-ups alongside the existing weekly FOGO service. The town recently rolled out FOGO, under which red bins are collected fortnightly instead of weekly.
Council's Stance
Councillor Daniel Minson argued the motion could undermine the FOGO system. “I really trust the town to identify any issues within the 12-month FOGO review and will investigate appropriate mechanisms to address them,” he said. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to specify one particular solution to a problem we haven’t identified yet.”
Cr Minson emphasised that the council made a strategic decision to implement FOGO. “It’s progressing well, achieving strategic objectives, and it’s important we continue encouraging the current service,” he added.
Cr Ingram said the motion would allow councillors to assess a potential “service uplift” and respond to community concerns. However, town officers noted the timing was complicated, as the current waste collection contract expires in September and a new tender is being evaluated. Altering service levels now could create logistical challenges, increase costs, and complicate negotiations.
Environmental Considerations
Staff data indicated up to 60 per cent of household general waste is organic, meaning the shift to FOGO should reduce the need for frequent red bin collections and limit odour issues. Officers warned that increasing general waste pick-ups could lead to more landfill use and weaken behaviour change efforts encouraged by FOGO.
Several councillors and Mayor Karen Vernon argued the town was “barely six months in” to FOGO implementation and should not change course prematurely.
The motion was defeated, with Cr Ingram the only councillor voting in favour. The council will continue focusing on reviewing performance over time.
