Why were we – as ratepayers – not informed of this additional tax?

To their credit, Tamworth Regional Council has always been forthcoming in sending us notice through the mail of road works that may affect us near our homes.

Why not a notice regarding this tax?

We are responsible ratepayers and regularly keep our gardens and surrounds (we back on to Crown Land) free of dead, dying or otherwise hazardous green waste to keep our homes presentable as part of our wonderful town and feel the lack of consultation, notice, or even intent of the implementation of this tax, sorely lacking on behalf of the council.

Apart from “Keeping our Town Beautiful”, which is important, we are responsibly removing fire hazards which could be detrimental to many.

Also, my partner was “caught out” arriving at the tip, not having cash on him to pay for this tax, as he was not informed that he needed to.

And, yes, we do use our green bin – but sometimes a trailer is needed as there are (realistic) restrictions on how much can be placed in the wheelie bins.

Additionally, although the tax fee is nominal – particularly in these hard times – those extra few dollars may mean the difference between tidy yards, clean gutters and fire hazard reduction.

There is also the fact that the council then charges us to purchase resulting mulch from them!

It is not even so much the fee that I object to – it is the lack of consultation.

I wonder what others think of this matter?

Lisa-Marie Windmill

Oxley Vale