Following months of searching, a suitor has been found to take over private operations of the Stawell Transfer Station.
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Northern Grampians Shire Council has brought in Rainbow-based company Wimmera Mallee Waste to take over operations of the tip in March.
The changes are part of a review of Council’s waste service that is currently being undertaken.
“There will be very little change in terms of the personnel, but we’ll work closely with the new operators on new ideas and programs to roll out to the public in the future," Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor Kevin Erwin said.
The company has been involved in the waste management industry in the Wimmera for 20 years, predominantly with curbside collection experience for the West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and Glenelg shires.
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Wimmera Mallee Waste director Mick Parry said he and his business are looking forward to taking over in Stawell.
"We always have a strong community focus with what we do, so the message we have is we would like to hear the views of the community and to try and meet their needs," he said.
Mr Parry said staff currently working at the site will be retained should they wish to continue work at the station.
Mr Parry also said prices will not increase and their is potential for new opening hours.
"We can certainly promise in medium term no change in opening hours unless residents thinks there should be a shift," he said.
"We could also be altering the price structure, with no increases and the potential for decreasing the price for some items.
We would like to hear the views of the community and to try and meet their needs
- Mick Parry
"We are hopeful of retaining existing staff, and if not it will be staffed locals."
Mr Parry said he believes the site has been "well run", with only a few minor changes sticking out to him.
"We couldn't find too many negatives. We might look at improving safety a bit, improving some security and might look at bringing in an EFTPOS service," he said.
"We might also get a concrete slab to unload onto rather than straight into a bin. That would improve safety and make sorting the rubbish easier.
"We will talk to ratepayers and see what they want and think should be changed. We can't stress enough how important the community's view is to us."
Mr Parry said community members wishing to get in touch should email jake@wimmeramalleewaste.com.au
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