Tamworth Regional Council proposes raft of changes to waste disposal fees in 2022/2023 fees and charges

At Tuesday night's meeting, councillors unanimously approved draft fees for everything from pool entry to parking.

Among the changes is the introduction of a $10 fee to dispose of a mattress at council's waste management facilities around the region.

Meanwhile, the disposal of household chemicals in the smaller villages of Barraba, Manilla and Nundle will no longer be free, instead costing residents $10.20.

Some fees will go down, like the disposal of white goods such as refrigerators, freezers and washing machines, which will cost $5 instead of $15.

Cr Judy Coates said she believed most of the increases in fees and charges were appropriate.

"Most have only gone up by 10 per cent and some of them less than five per cent," she said.

Cr Steve Mears said while the increases were necessary for council to provide services, he held concerns over the impacts the rises will have on residents and businesses, and shifted the blame to the state government.

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"Unfortunately, through what appears to be a never ended program of cost-shifting through the state government back to councils, we are left with the decision to raise fees, charges and rates," he said.

A TRC spokesperson said the changes were proposed due to the council's increasing operating costs.

The tip fee changes would account for changes in the types of waste being disposed of at council's facilities and the resource recovery methods required for those materials, the spokesperson said.

The draft fees and charges will form part of council's Annual Operation Plan which will go on public exhibition in May.

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