A proposed new waste services levy aims to offset rising government charges and reduce individual service costs for ratepayers, as councils grapple with increased Environment Protection Authority fees.

To understand what ratepayers want, Campaspe Shire Council hosted a roundtable discussion with 13 residents representing corners of the shire to discuss rate differentials, potential adjustments, and classification of rural, residential and commercial properties when it comes to waste.

There was also discussion of the council’s waste portfolio and how to lower costs across the board.

Council reported the group was “supportive” of a new Waste Facilities Levy, which would charge $94 to every ratepayer for public assets used by all ratepayers.

The levy would cover the maintenance of 12 closed landfills, litter collection and operation of over 1200 public litter bins.

The introduction of the levy would separate the public asset charges used by all ratepayers from the services where user pay charges apply, such as kerbside collection.

The levy would significantly reduces waste services collection rates, with residential food and garden waste bin collection fees dropping by $66, from $175 to $109.

However, the total cost of waste services fees will be increasing overall due to a 30 per cent EPA waste levy hike.

The largest increase in waste service fees presented in the Waste Services Fees and Charges document oncouncil’s website will be transfer station fees, with the largest being clean fill soil at Echuca and Mt Scobie from $23 to $30.

The Waste Services Fees and Charges document doesn’t include provisions for glass bins in Campaspe Shire, reflecting council’s current stance on the state-mandated glass bin policy set for 2027 implementation.

Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the roundtable was a success and was able to guide decision-making for rate differentials and waste funding.

“This kind of targeted engagement not only allows us to build the community’s understanding of the council’s rating approach and its waste services, including its costs and funding, but also lets the council better understand the community’s views on these subjects,” Cr Mackrell said.

The updated Revenue and Rating Plan, along with the 2025-26 budget fees and charges, will be open to community feedback through council’s website until June 2, 2025.

Councillors will consider the recommendations made during the roundtable and the broader community before adopting the Revenue and Rating Plan and the 2025-26 Budget at the Tuesday, June 17 council meeting.

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Wednesday, 24th September 2025

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