Council sets 2027/28 objective for hard waste collection following careful review

Following a thorough and robust evaluation of Council’s recent procurement process to introduce a municipal hard waste collection service, it was determined the procurement outcome did not achieve the competitive tendering requirements needed to award a long-term hard waste collection contract.

As a result, the current procurement process has been formally abandoned, with the objective to commence the service in the 2027/28 financial year.

Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure, Janelle Bunfield, said the decision reflects Council’s commitment to delivering an efficient, reliable service of the highest standard.

“While the current procurement process has been abandoned, Council’s commitment to introducing a hard waste collection service remains unchanged. This approach ensures any future service is financially responsible, operationally effective and aligned with community expectations,” she said.

“Given the procurement timelines, market conditions, and the need to refine the service specifications, the service cannot be implemented prior to the 2027/28 financial year.

“A new tender process will be undertaken in the 2026/27 financial year, with the aim of commencing the service the following year.”

In the interim, Council will continue to monitor market conditions, engage with industry and refine service specifications to support a successful future procurement outcome. The community will be updated as further milestones are reached.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, acknowledged the procurement process did not enable a satisfactory outcome to deliver an efficient hard waste collection service for the municipality.

“Our community clearly supports the introduction of a hard waste collection service, and this remains a priority for Councillors. Our focus is on delivering a hard waste collection service that works well from day one and continues to meet community needs into the future,” he said.

“The procurement process which was undertaken did not allow for a recommendation to be tabled to Councillors.”

“Taking the time now allows us to make sure the service we introduce in 2027/28 is affordable, consistent, and fit-for-purpose for our municipality. By getting this right from the outset, we are setting the service up for long‑term success,” Cr Sali said.

“The community will be kept informed as Council progresses the new tender process, and we look forward to achieving a positive and financially viable outcome ahead of the 2027/28 service rollout.”