A growing number of Ipswich residents are pushing back against the city’s rollout of green-lid garden organics bins, expressing frustration over what they say is an unnecessary service introduced without proper consultation.
The controversy comes as Ipswich City Council confirms a new infrastructure levy in next year’s rates, and locals brace for further hikes tied to the Queensland Government’s Waste Levy.
More than 55,000 green bins began rolling out across the city in June, forming part of a standardised three-bin waste system.
Council says the bins are for garden waste such as leaves, grass clippings and twigs, and will divert an estimated 15,000 tonnes of material from landfill.
According to Council figures, this could save ratepayers around $1 million in waste levy fees in the next 12 months.
Mayor Teresa Harding defended the program as a necessary financial and environmental initiative.
But many residents are not convinced, saying the rollout has been mishandled and their concerns ignored.
“People had no choice with these bins, and I know a lot of people in my street did not want them,” said Raceview resident Annette Weller.
“Some people aren’t even getting the green bins,” said Sheri Louise, who lives in a unit complex.
Adding to the frustration is the financial impact. Despite the bins being delivered free of charge, residents will see a $49 increase in the Waste Management Utility Charge on their next rates notice.
“Nothing is ever free,” said Leno Smith.
“The Council will boost the rates every opportunity they can, even if you don’t want or won’t need the service – like the third bin.”
Other locals have echoed those concerns, with some questioning whether the service is necessary at all.
“I don’t even have a garden,” said Eastern Heights resident Gail Turner.
“Now I’m being charged for a bin I’ll never use. How is that fair?
“We weren’t asked, just told,” said Booval resident Kevin Murdoch. “If it’s supposed to be about choice, where was the community consultation?”
Council maintains the program is a long-term cost saver, especially as the state’s waste levy is set to increase from $125 to $145 per tonne.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chair Cr Jim Madden said shifting to a three-bin system would help soften the impact of rising landfill costs.
Mayor Harding placed blame on the State Government for failing to maintain full rebates for household waste.
“The Queensland Government Waste Levy was introduced in 2019 with a promise that no household would be directly impacted,” she said.
“That will no longer be the case in the coming year.”
She urged the Government to pause the levy increases and conduct a full review of its waste strategy before shifting further financial pressure onto ratepayers.
