Just weeks from the Council budget, the Labor Opposition is calling on the LNP Lord Mayor to finally announce a city-wide green bin program.
The amount of organic waste going into landfill is the single biggest contributor to Brisbane’s carbon footprint, and action is needed now.
Around 70% of Brisbane households do not currently have a green bin, this means grass clippings, leaves and other garden waste continue to clog up residents’ red bins and are ultimately sent to landfill resulting in higher rates bills and higher emissions.
In 2023, the former State Labor Government committed $151 million to help SEQ councils implement or expand kerbside food organics and garden organics collection services.
Moreton Bay rolled out a city-wide garden organics program last year, citing the importance for a modern, sustainable, and environmentally focused city.
In the meantime, New South Wales is set to become the first state to introduce a mandated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling.
Under the new laws, FOGO collection services for households would be mandatory* by July 2030, as well as businesses and institutions from July 2026.
The NSW Labor Government said because of landfill becoming full, we cannot kick this can down the road any longer.
Leader of the Opposition, Cr Jared Cassidy is calling on the Lord Mayor to advocate for Brisbane and utilise this fund in conjunction with next month’s Council Budget to roll out a city-wide green bin program.
“As Queensland’s largest council, Brisbane should be leading the state on green waste services, but instead the Olympic city is falling behind,” Cr Cassidy said.
“Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the LNP Council must do more to keep green waste out of landfill. Without more action we will see the rates bills of every single ratepayer climb to record levels.
“The Lord Mayor should be advocating for our city and applying for sufficient funding from the state government to make the green bin program a city-wide initiative.
“The upcoming budget is an opportunity for Adrian Schrinner to show Brisbane where his priorities lie.
“We want Brisbane City Council to get back to a place where residents see increased service delivery for their rates, Cr Cassidy said.
