Upgrade of refuse transfer station on track

The upgrade of the Waiheke Island refuse transfer station is a step closer with confirmation that the targeted rate for Waiheke Island ratepayers will go ahead.

The targeted rate was confirmed at Auckland City’s Combined Committees meeting today.

The initial targeted rate will be $26 per waste collection service (this is a one-off annual fee) in the 2004 to 2005 year and will come into effect on 1 July 2004. This will be in addition to the $129 targeted rate for waste collection that all ratepayers in Auckland City pay.

The rate will help recover some of the costs of upgrading the station instead of absorbing the costs into the general rate. Auckland City proposes that the remainder of the upgrade cost will be funded through increased transfer station gate charges and a higher cost for additional rubbish bags. Consultation is currently underway on these two issues.

Councillor Bill Christian, chairperson of Auckland City’s Works Committee, says the charges will be beneficial for the Waiheke Island community.

“Waiheke Island ratepayers will see a positive, tangible and local outcome from the changes. The amount of refuse collected by the station is continuing to grow but the current space and operational restrictions are limiting sustainable waste management practices,” Mr Christian says.

“The upgrade of the station will allow us to manage waste in a more sustainable way, and will actually encourage waste minimisation.

“If an individual creates rubbish, they will have to pay for its disposal. This could be through using the transfer station or buying extra bags. This will encourage more people to consider reusing and recycling their rubbish.”

Mr Christian says the proposed introduction of a weigh bridge will make the charging process more transparent.

“With the current volume based assessment at the transfer station, it can be difficult to accurately determine the actual volume of rubbish. A weigh bridge means that people will pay for exactly the amount they brought in – no more and no less,” he says.

More information on the proposed increases to gate charges and the cost of official rubbish bags is available by calling Auckland City on (09) 379 2020. Submission forms are available by calling this number or by visiting www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/rubbish.

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