Rural residents in a Victorian town have been left in disbelief after its council drafted a plan to close three essential rubbish tips in a bid to crack down on spending.
The locals warn that the closures of the essential services amid a cost-of-living crisis could lead to spikes in illegal rubbish dumping and residents bearing the brunt of extra travel costs.
One hour’s drive from Ballarat and Bendigo, the local council of Central Goldfields Shire released their draft council budget late last month, announcing the closure of waste transfer stations in Bealiba, Dunolly and Talbot.
The measures have been proposed “to counter low revenue growth, rate capping and rising expenses,” the council’s chief executive Peter Harriott said.