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Rockhampton faces $2.9M Bin Tax hike by 2030

Bin the Tax campaign (photo supplied)

What’s happening?

From today, Rockhampton households face fresh financial strain as the State Government slashes the waste levy offset councils have relied on to keep rubbish costs down. Instead of the full 100 per cent offset previously paid to councils, some now receive just 70 per cent. The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has launched its #BinTheTax campaign with Chooky the Bin Chicken, demanding a freeze on these cuts until the current Queensland Waste Strategy review is complete.

Why it matters

The waste levy is supposed to reduce landfill and encourage recycling, but with no promised recycling solutions or infrastructure delivered, councils like Rockhampton are left with no way to help households avoid the extra charges.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said:

“Millions of Queenslanders will be forced to pay a state waste levy – a bin tax – for the waste they send to landfill.”

“This is happening because councils in waste levy zones will no longer receive the 100 per cent offset which has been paid by the state. That offset has been paid to councils in order to prevent the levy being applied to household bins. However, that is all changing, with the offset dropping to 70 per cent for some councils this financial year, and the offset amount forecast to drop each year going forwards unless the State Government agrees to a reset.”

“That investment and those options are not in place, meaning households don’t have appropriate waste diversion options.”

Local Impact

Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams said the policy will pile pressure on local families already feeling the pinch.

“I think ultimately we all want the same thing but the State Government is going about this in the wrong order,” Mayor Williams said.

“These new charges are going to hit the community at a really difficult time and they will continue to grow out to 2030.”

“For Rockhampton that means over $1 million in additional costs this year as a direct result of the State Government’s decision. That will grow to $2.9 million by 2030.”

“We want to work with the Government to plan, develop and deliver waste diversion initiatives that actually work. That needs to be focused first and foremost.”

“We need a rethink to this policy and a different approach from the Government.”

By the Numbers

  • $1 million extra cost Rockhampton ratepayers will bear in the current financial year.

  • $2.9 million is predicted annual cost to Rockhampton by 2030 if no changes are made.

  • 19 councils, including Rockhampton, hit by the reduced offset.

Zoom In

The LGAQ’s #BinTheTax campaign highlights the growing cost burden on Rockhampton residents, pointing to the absence of state-backed waste diversion systems.

Zoom Out

From Cairns to the Gold Coast, 19 Queensland councils are grappling with these cuts, facing stark choices between raising rates or cutting essential services.

What to Look For Next?

The Queensland Waste Strategy review is underway. Rockhampton residents should pay close attention, as councils and the LGAQ push for a halt to further levy cuts until proper recycling infrastructure is in place.

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