The NSW Government has today announced a $5 million grant to Lismore City Council to fund a fleet of nine new garbage trucks.
Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig said the council had experienced significant and ongoing impacts to its waste service following the devastating 2022 floods.
He said the one-off grant will enable the Council to purchase a fleet of new garbage trucks equipped with modern technology.
“Lismore City Council under the leadership of Mayor Steve Kreig, has done significant work to support reconstruction efforts for the Lismore community,” said Mr Hoenig.
“The Member for Lismore and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin, has also provided strong advocacy, securing Lismore and the Northern Rivers region much needed resources.
“Waste collection is a core function of local governments, and this funding will make sure the council can deliver this service to the residents of Lismore more cost-effectively.”
The support from the NSW Government also means the Council can continue delivering the important local government service in-house with Council workers rather than contractors, said Ms Saffin.
“To keep the garbage service in public hands has been the desire of all and that was my focus,” she said.
“Minister Hoenig fully understood this, and I was able to work collaboratively with him, the Mayor and the United Services Union to get this great result.
“A big thank you to Minister Hoenig, who is the best advocate for and supporter of local government with his vast experience and expertise.”
Mayor, Steve Krieg said the funding was greatly appreciated by the Council.
“This funding is greatly appreciated and very welcome to be able to continue to deliver our waste collection service by council, for the residents of our LGA,” said Mayor Krieg.
“I would like to thank the State Government, through the support of the Premier, Minister for Local Government, Janelle Saffin and also recognise the advocacy of Graeme Kelly and the United Services Union for their continued and ongoing support to Lismore during this long road to recovery.”
The funding adds to significant assistance already provided to the council by the NSW Government to help the city rebuild, including a $20 million grant for its recovery and the continued provision of local services and infrastructure.
