Team effort helps clean up the CBD

Published on 04 November 2016

Rockhampton Region Environment Portfolio Chair Councillor Drew Wickerson has thanked business owners who brought the issue of unsightly, unhygienic and hazardous bins in some of the CBD’s laneways to Council’s attention.

“A proliferation of unbranded bins was identified as an issue by a number of CBD business owners,” Cr Wickerson said.

“Bins were constantly being knocked over, spilling refuse onto the lanes and creating frustration for responsible business owners.

“Working closely with the business owners, Rockhampton Regional Council’s Waste Management Team then took charge of the situation and removed 360 unallocated bins from circulation and ensured the remaining bins were correctly allocated and well identified.

“The next stage, underway at present is to communicate to CBD businesses the importance and benefits of ensuring that bins are stored within property boundaries once collected. Once the laneways are clear of bins, Council can initiate a schedule of street sweeping to keep the lanes clean.

“We are grateful to the businesses who have really taken ownership of the city’s laneways. Through initiatives such as the River Festival we have seen just how active and vibrant these spaces can be and keeping them clean is the first step towards highlighting and enhancing their full potential.”

Bruce Woods is just one of the CBD business owners who has benefited from working in partnership with Council to bring about a solution to the previously cluttered and unsightly laneways.

“I think it is fantastic how Cr Wickerson has initiated the cleaning up of the back lanes by matching bins to premises and taking out the surplus. Access has been improved for delivery drivers and what was an eye-sore has been addressed,” Mr Woods said.

“It is especially important if the laneways are to be used for events and other activities as there is a policy and processes in place now.”