In the hope community members will be able to take advantage of bulk verge side waste collection in 2023, proposals to take on the scope of work are now being requested.

The City of Greater Geraldton invites proposals from appropriately qualified, experienced and resourced contractors for the verge side collection of residential green waste and bulk hard waste.

Mayor Shane Van Styn said the City had been preparing a suitable criteria for the annual service since it was adopted in the 2022/23 Budget, aiming to get the program up and running as soon as possible.

“It was one of the most popular and well received programs to come out of this year’s Budget and we’ve been working hard to get this over the line since it was passed at Council as we understand how much the community values this service,” he said.

“We’ve faced a few hurdles in securing a start date given the challenges COVID-19 has thrown us in relation to contractor availability.

“The scope of works have been separated into two smaller components – green waste and bulk hard waste, in the hope it will attract suitable contractors.

“We’re looking to award the works in the New Year and the availability of contractors will determine the program commencement,” he added.

Bulk verge side waste collection was welcomed back by Council after $650,000 for the project was passed by Councillors as part of the 2022/23 Budget.

This comes after the service ceased in 2016 in order to reduce operating costs and decrease the level of untidy verges.

As a key outcome of the City’s Strategic Community Plan, reinstating the free program helps to achieve a thriving community that provides opportunity whilst protecting the environment and enhancing the social and cultural fabric.

The contract will be in force for a period of one year with an optional one-year extension.

Contractors and businesses who are interested in submitting a proposal are urged to head to the City’s website and follow the appropriate links to the TenderLink portal.

Submissions close at 12pm on Wednesday 11 January 2023.

Community members are reminded to not put any waste on verge sides until the City advises of a start date for waste collections to occur.