As a young family in Wellington Shire, Victoria, we rely heavily on the weekly collection of our rubbish bin, particularly because we have nappies and our bin fills up quickly every week. This is not just our issue—in fact, it's a widespread concern across our community. Children, families, and individuals with disabilities all depend on a reliable waste disposal system.

Recently, the Wellington Shire Council introduced a new Food and Organics bin with a weekly collection schedule. While this initiative helps promote sustainability, it's crucial that this change doesn't compromise the regular collection of our general waste. The newly proposed collection schedule, which reduces landfill bin pickups, threatens to create a significant waste management issue in our homes and community.

Failing to maintain a weekly rubbish bin collection could lead to various negative outcomes. Overflowing bins could attract pests and vermin, increase unpleasant smells, and potentially become a health hazard. For families with babies, the elderly, or people with disabilities, the sheer volume of waste generated weekly is not something that can be left uncollected without serious consequence.

Communities similar to ours, where families and disabled individuals make up a significant portion of households, will be disproportionately affected. Alternate weeks of waste collection will lead to household unrest and its associated stress, especially for those already managing increased daily challenges.

Wellington Shire needs to adopt a practical solution that caters to both its environmental initiatives and the essential requirement of its residents. We propose maintaining the current weekly collection schedule for landfill bins alongside the organics collection. This will ensure that no community member is left at a disadvantage and help the council fulfill its duty of care.

I kindly urge the Wellington Shire Council to reconsider its decision and keep weekly rubbish bin collection a priority for the wellbeing of all residents.

Please support our cause and sign this petition to let your voice be heard. Together, we can work towards a solution that benefits everyone in our community.