Residents of several suburbs in Campbelltown who opt in for a pilot program will be getting bin lid latches for free, thanks to Animal Justice Party councillor Matt Stellino.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting – the last for 2022 – Cr Stellino successfully amended council plans to charge for the 1000 latches to be used in a trial.
Council wanted to charge on a cost price basis, plus a “small administrative fee’’.
Aim of the trial is to determine if bin latches would effectively stop birds such as cockatoos – and strong winds – opening rubbish bins and the contents spilling out on the road.
When he first brough the issue to council in June, Cr Stellino said he was concerned such rubbish was ending up in waterways and other natural areas across Campbelltown.
He proposed the use of bin lid latches then, and while he was supported by council it was decided to run a pilot program first before expanding to the entire population of Campbelltown.
The 1000 bin lid latches to be used in the trial will go to residents in Airds, Ruse, Kentlyn, Minto Heights and St Helens Park who agree to opt in.
Each premises will receive two bin lid latches.
“They would be the suburbs with the highest risk of birds opening the lids and getting the contents out on the roadway,’’ Cr Stellino said.
The trial was to be for 12 months, but a report will now be tabled once enough evidence is gathered.
Cr Stellino received plenty of support from other councillors, including Labor leader Darcy Lound.
“This is a great move by Cr Stellino, knowing that our council is very active in protecting the environment,’’ Cr Lound said.
Councillors concerned with the efficacy of the latches were told they opened automatically when bins were picked up and dumped by trucks.
Cr Stellino said he was happy with the result, especially residents getting the latches for free.
“Thanks to everyone who supported this – I am looking forward to seeing the results,’’ he said.
