Long-term waste partnership ending

Horsham Rural City Council will consider the best-fit contractor to take operations of its four transfer stations into a new era when tenders close today.

The council’s 28-year partnership with Wastebusters comes to an end soon and a new contractor will take on the management of Horsham’s Kenny Road transfer station, along with sites at Quantong, Mt Zero and Toolondo.

Wastebusters owner Mick Morris had informed the council late last year of his intent to step away from the contract and support the transition to a new contractor.

His business will turn its attention to its core offerings, including recycling collection, handling and processing.

The council called for tenders to the contract across a three-week period.

Infrastructure director John Martin said the tender document reiterated the council’s request to continue to operate the Kenny Road transfer station seven days a week, and the three rural transfer stations.

He said contractor duties would include assigning staff to the four sites to inspect incoming loads to verify their content, receiving appropriate payment for the materials received, and storing materials in separate areas to maximise their recovery. He said the change had come in line with due renewal of the contract. It will be offered as a five-year agreement with an option for two further years, with a start date of May 8.

“There won’t be any change to the way our four transfer stations operate because the tender calls for contractors to deliver the same service level as currently offered,” Mr Martin said.

“The tender, which is currently being advertised, calls for an operator with the capability to deliver the specified services, including a commitment to the required resourcing levels.

“Tenderers will also need to outline their costs for running the service.” Mr Morris has managed all four transfer stations for 19 years.

Originally taking on the business and contract from his father Richard, who managed the business for nine years, Mr Morris employs six staff, including part-time staff.

He hoped the new contractor would directly employ the staff into the future.

“It’s time for a change, and I’m a big believer in a new set of eyes. This will allow us to concentrate on our core business,” he said.

“It was time to bite the bullet and not an easy decision, because of our great relationships with council over many years – though we will still do other contract work with them.

“Hopefully, the new contractor will continue with the same passion as us.”

The transfer station in Horsham is open seven days a week. Quantong’s transfer station opens on Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm and Saturday from 9am to 4pm; Mt Zero on Saturday from 9am to noon; and Toolondo on Thursday from 1pm to 4pm.

People wanting more information about waste and recycling facilities can go to hrcc.vic.gov.au/residents/ Waste-and-recycling/waste-and-recycling-facilities