Kirsty McIntyre, Castlemaine
It is very disappointing that our council has taken a decision not to support a proposal from our local community, once again. Both MAOP (Mount Alexander Organics Partnership) and YIMBY (Yes, In My Backyard) have worked hard to establish wonderful initiatives to recycle waste which benefit everyone.
The main reason given is the claim that the councillors must follow state legislation and introduce FOGO (a statewide, expensive, one-size-fits-all Food Organics and Garden Organics program). This is a furphy. The bill is still in draft form, there are questions about the time of implementation and it is unlikely to be enacted before the state election. Other councils have allowed a pause.
Maree Edwards, our local state member, has even said it would be possible to waive or alter the bill to suit our particular situation.
It is also disappointing to hear that the council has not properly engaged with these groups to understand why this is so important. The grey, bureaucratic responses of council employees did not address any of the questions asked by members of the public at the meeting on Tuesday night.
We have such progressive, innovative community projects which deserve the support of our councillors. It seems that the actions of our community members are light years ahead of our elected representatives.
Who are the real leaders of our community?
Editor’s Note: Council has provided an opt-out option and committed to continuing to work with YIMBY and MAOP.