Melville Council Pursues Federal Funding for Waste Management and Pest Control
The City of Melville is actively seeking federal intervention to bolster its FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) systems and address the escalating threat posed by the polyphagous shot-hole borer. This initiative involves submitting formal motions to the Australia Local Government Association National General Assembly, scheduled to convene in Canberra from June 23 to 25.
Financial and Strategic Requests for National Support
In a decisive 8-2 vote during its February 17 meeting, the council approved two key motions. Firstly, they are requesting the Federal Government to allocate $200 million to assist local governments and the resource recovery industry in enhancing FOGO infrastructure. Secondly, they advocate for the inclusion of local government entities in the National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement, with federal funding to support efforts against the spread of the polyphagous shot-hole borer.
Council officers have indicated that the costs associated with sending a representative to present these motions at the assembly can be managed within the city's 2025-26 budget. Councillor Karen Wheatland emphasized the critical nature of these issues, stating that the borer's potential spread could have catastrophic effects on urban canopy and biodiversity.
Debate Over Representation and Broader Implications
During discussions, Councillor Clive Ross suggested that the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) should present the motions on behalf of all councils, arguing that this approach would carry more weight and prevent Melville ratepayers from bearing the cost alone. However, Cr Wheatland clarified that WALGA is not permitted to move motions from the floor at the assembly, necessitating direct action by the city.
Councillor Scott Green highlighted Melville's role as an early adopter of FOGO, noting that pursuing these motions could position the city favorably with the Australian Government. When there's $200 million on offer, I think if we're going to be at the cutting edge of this, I think it can only be a good thing for the city, he remarked.
Challenges and Current Context in Waste and Biosecurity
A council report acknowledged that while FOGO has delivered demonstrable benefits, its effectiveness is hampered by external factors such as contamination risks. This issue is not isolated to Melville, as several Perth councils, including Canning, Fremantle, East Fremantle, and Victoria Park, have launched campaigns to educate residents on proper waste sorting.
The report also underscored the frontline role of local governments in biosecurity, criticizing their exclusion from national response strategies and funding mechanisms. It warned that the polyphagous shot-hole borer infestation has already resulted in tree removals in the Perth metropolitan area, contributing to a decline in canopy cover across parks and streetscapes.
Cr Wheatland pointed out that local governments possess critical on-the-ground expertise, which is often underutilized in national efforts. She cited the state government's inability to share detailed information due to confidentiality provisions in national agreements as a significant barrier to effective collaboration.
