WEST Wimmera Shire Council will again run its annual free green waste fortnight in 2025, providing residents with a free and convenient way to manage excess vegetation and prepare for the Summer fire season.
The initiative will run from Saturday, 27 September to Sunday, 12 October 2025 (inclusive), with residents able to dispose of green waste free of charge at all Council transfer stations during this period.
Since its introduction in 2022, the free green waste fortnight has been well received by the community and continues to deliver environmental and safety benefits.
The program helps residents manage excess vegetation growth following wet seasons, reduces potential fire hazards, diverts green waste from landfill, and discourages illegal roadside dumping.
Shire chief executive, David Bezuidenhout, highlighted the importance of this initiative, especially in light of the upcoming summer period.
“Any excessive vegetation could be a potential fire hazard as the weather warms up,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity for residents to take action, clean up their properties, and get rid of any unwanted green waste.”
Overgrown vegetation not only poses fire risks but affects the safety and appearance of the region.
To take advantage of this service, residents can take their green waste to their nearest transfer station at no cost during the free green waste fortnight.
The 2025 dates have been chosen to provide flexibility for residents, with the first week overlapping the September/October school holidays, enabling families with children or grandchildren to take part in clean-up activities together.
The second week falls during the school term, allowing those away on holidays to still access the free disposal period.
Introducing med waste assistance
THE shire will introduce a new medical waste assistance scheme to help residents managing extra household waste due to home-based medical treatments.
The scheme is designed for people undergoing treatments such as dialysis or chemotherapy, which can generate large volumes of non-hazardous waste, including dialysis solution bags, tubing, packaging, and gloves.
Council unanimously endorsed the scheme at its August meeting.
Under the plan, eligible residents will be able to choose from one of three support options:
• A second 120-litre general waste bin at no additional cost
• A waiver of waste transfer station fees, capped at $400 per financial year
• A waiver of the annual waste charge for one additional bin, where private collection is arranged
To qualify, applicants must be permanent residents of West Wimmera Shire, provide medical documentation confirming their treatment and resulting waste needs, and submit an application for review.
Approved assistance will be granted for 12 months, with the option to renew.
Mayor Tim Meyer said the scheme was an important step to support residents and keep people in the community.
“Council is very happy to introduce this program,” he said.
“We know we have an aging population and the more we can do to keep people at home in our community, the better it is for everyone.
“The scheme will provide meaningful support for those managing home-based treatments and it does not come at a great cost to council.”
Council estimates five to 10 households will benefit, initially.
Application forms and full eligibility details will be available on council’s website or from Council’s customer service centres.
For more information about transfer station locations and operating hours, visit: www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au.
