General News
8 March, 2026
Have your say on waste changes
Yarriambiack Shire Council has invited the community to have their say on a series of proposed changes to waste and recycling services, set to begin from July 1.
The proposal aims to ensure long-term financial sustainability, improve service equity across the shire, and align council operations with upcoming State Government requirements.
The council’s review highlighted several key challenges affecting ongoing service delivery, including rising operational costs, ageing facilities requiring significant investment, and the need to move towards full cost recovery.
With a small population spread across a large geographic area, current charges no longer cover service costs.
Kerbside Collection
Standard new service offering: 120L General Waste (weekly), 240L Recycling (fortnightly), 120L Glass (bimonthly)
• Existing 80L and 240L general waste services will be maintained for current customers, unless a request is made for the 120L bin.
• Charges will increase by 10 per cent in 2026/27 to progress towards full cost recovery.
• Larger 240L bins are available under exceptional circumstances.
Commercial Properties
• Commercial kerbside services remain optional.
• Charges to increase by 50 per cent from 2026/27.
• New bin configuration options will be available.
Transfer Stations
• Proposed increase to the general waste fee to $45 per cubic metre, aligning with neighbouring councils.
• Green waste and e-waste disposal will remain free for residents.
• Improved safety, accessibility, and facility upgrades proposed for the Murtoa, Warracknabeal and Hopetoun transfer stations.
• Reduced opening hours at most stations to improve efficiency, with Warracknabeal maintaining current availability.
Hard Waste Collection
• Introduction of a fee-for-service hard waste collection for eligible residents, including Seniors Card holders, Disability Health Care Card holders, and all residents in Yaapeet and Patchewollock, where the skip bin service will no longer be available.
• Service offered at $45 per cubic metre, collected directly from homes by booking.
FOGO (Food Organics & Garden Organics)
• Introduction of a new FOGO service from July 1, 2027, mandated by the State Government.
• Community consultation will determine bin size and collection frequency.
• A service fee will apply, with arrangements still being finalised.
Overall, changes are needed, as the council’s financial modelling shows that current waste and recycling charges fall short of covering the full cost of service delivery.
The proposed changes aim to create a fair, equitable, and sustainable system that ensures all residents have access to essential waste services while avoiding cross-subsidisation across other council operations.
Community input will be vital to shaping the final recommendations.
Residents can provide feedback by completing the online survey at yarriambiack.vic.gov.au or requesting a hard copy survey via phone or email.
Residents can also visit the council office in Warracknabeal or the Council Engagement Van.
Consultation closes on March 13 at 5pm, with the final recommendations to be presented to the council on March 25.