Waste facility exemptions granted across Moreton Bay

Rural residents who don't get a kerbside bin collection will be able to take their rubbish to the tip from tomorrow after Moreton Bay Regional Council voted to reopen waste facilities.

With rubbish building and the possibility the COVID-19 lockdown will extend beyond Sunday, Council sought clarification from the State Government on the directive that tips be shut.

Mayor Peter Flannery says the exemption will apply to 1010 properties from Thursday, August 5 so people can responsibly dispose of their waste during the current COVID-19 lockdown.

“I want to thank Health Minister Yvette D’Ath for taking my call last night on this important local issue and also thank Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young for understanding the urgent need of this in some parts of our region,” he says.

“But let me be clear ­­- our waste facilities have not reopened as usual and are not to become a community congregation point for everyone in Moreton Bay Region.

“This exemption is specifically for our rural residents who don’t receive a Council kerbside collection and do not have a wheelie bin for a number of reasons.

“I want to thank our hinterland Councillors Darren Grimwade (Div.11) and Tony Latter (Div.12) for putting this on today’s agenda and getting this important outcome for their communities who are the most impacted right now.”

Permitted residents will be able to take their waste to all of Council's waste management facilities across the region, while Dakabin, Caboolture, Bunya and Redcliffe will continue to accept commercial waste.

Proof needed

Cr Darren Grimwade says anyone arriving at the permitted tips will have to provide both their current driver’s licence and a rates notice or a copy of their lease agreement to show they are from an exempt household.

“This isn’t a free-for-all, it’s an exception for people living in our rural and remote areas like Mt Nebo and Kobble Creek who are entirely reliant on our tips to dispose of their waste,” Cr Grimwade says.

“If you’re not from an exempt household and try your luck at the tip you will be turned away - South East Queensland is still in a lockdown.

“Please ensure you have the relevant documentation on you at all times in case you are pulled over by police as this will be deemed a necessary reason to leave the house.”

Not for home gardening projects

Cr Tony Latter says he knows people are using this time tending to their gardens or on DIY projects at home.

“It’s great to be productive during lockdown but we don’t want to see people rushing to our dumps with their green waste collected from the weekend’s gardening or spring cleaning,” Cr Latter says.

“You’ll be able to do that on the other side of the current lockdown, and hopefully that will come in just a few more days.

“I know there are many people struggling with lockdown restrictions right now but we just ask that you remain patient as we await further advice from the State Government on the current lockdown.”

Mayor Flannery says Moreton Bay Region residents have an exemplary track record of doing the right thing through previous lockdowns.

“I thank you all for your ongoing work to help stop the spread of COVID-19 after this latest outbreak,” he said.

“You must remain at home unless you have a permitted reason to leave, and those permitted allowances are outlined by the Chief Health Officer and Queensland Health website.”

Keep up to date with all changes on the Queensland Health website: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19

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