Online petition protests changes to red bin collection

Tracey King-Pluis said she made the decision to start the Change.org petition following social media calls to dump rubbish on mayor John Davis’ lawn.

“A petition is a way of giving the Orange community a voice,” she said.

Mrs King-Pluis said, with five people living in her household, her red bin would overflow if it was not collected weekly.

She said irregular bin collection was at odds with the city’s reputation as a tidy town and picturesque colour city.

“I’m somewhat disappointed in the lack of consultation with ratepayers,” Mrs King-Pluis said.

She hoped her petition, which was launched on Thursday night, would attract about 5000 online supporters.

By 2pm yesterday it had attracted 600.

“We already pay high rates compared to other cities in the state that are around the same size, yet what do we get in return ... a reduction in basic services,” Mrs King-Pluis said.

Council spokesman Nick Redmond said it was understandable council’s decision to begin a six-month trial of a fortnightly red bin collection from April next year had prompted strong community debate.

He said council had received 115 submissions about the bin collection.

“It’s good to see that these important community debates are happening on social media,” he said.

“The conversation on council’s Facebook page has been strong but generally factual and constructive.”

However, Mr Redmond said it was disappointing to see some members of the community had stepped over the line “from a valid and vigorous disagreement into personal abuse of the individuals involved.”

“The council is always interested in hearing from people who disagree on a new direction, but playing the man and not the ball is never welcome, and that attitude will be ignored and given the treatment it deserves,” he said.

“Council will decide these matters based on rational arguments about what’s best for most people in Orange, not about personal attacks.”

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au