Businesses throughout the Snowy Monaro Regional Council area are feeling the impact of increased charges at council’s waste facilities.
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In one particular case, the Nimmitabel Bakery has reported seeing their cost of disposing waste rise from $40 per month to now $566.
Proprietors Will and Caroline Jardine say this is a 1300 per cent increase “overnight”.
“In addition to the rubbish rates, I have just received another invoice for $1500 for the use of the footways which has in the past been free,” Ms Jardine said.
“That is a total of around $8000 council have added to our expenses in two months.”
The Jardines have spoken out against the council charges, saying the new fees could encourage illegal dumping and burning.
They said the only “legal ways” they could see to cover the huge increase in waste fees was to cut wages by 22 hours a month, or increase the price of their product.
“If our products increased 1300 per cent, a pie would cost $71.50 and so would a coffee.
“This is clearly unviable.”
A council spokesperson said staff are preparing a report that will provide councillors with the option to review the pathway fees.
“In the meantime, staff have advised village-based businesses to defer payment, pending council’s review.”
In the case of increased waste facility fees, council said it operates its waste facilities on a user pays basis with the generator of the waste responsible for the cost of disposing of the waste.
“The revenue generated from fees and charges offsets the cost of operating the waste facilities,” the spokesperson said.
“The total cost charged is directly attributed to the volume of material being presented, which will vary from one business to another, and may be subject to seasonal variations that a business experiences.
“It is not compulsory for businesses within the region to use a council facility. Businesses are free to engage a commercial contractor to manage their waste disposal requirements, which may be more cost effective for the business.”