A proposal to screen or relocate large skip bins stored in public parks across the City of Canning has been decisively voted down by the local council, leaving the containers in full view of residents.
Councillor's Call to Improve Visual Amenity
The motion was brought forward by Councillor Michelle Hurn at the council's meeting on December 16, 2025. She argued that the long-term storage of the bright red industrial bins in public spaces like Queens Park Reserve and Ferndale Reserve was unacceptable. Cr Hurn sought support to obtain a cost estimate for permanent housing or screening, with a view to including it in the 2026-27 budget.
She framed the move as a natural progression from the two-year trial of the on-demand skip system to its adoption as a permanent hard waste service. Cr Hurn contended that the cost of concealment would be "miniscule" compared to the system's annual operating cost, which is estimated to be between $1.2 and $1.6 million.
"In my view, these red industrial bins surrounded by temporary fencing in our parks are a visual blight and it is worth investing a very small amount of money to conceal them," she told the council.
Mayor Hall Leads Rejection, Citing Cost and Precedent
The proposal was rejected by a vote of 8-2, with Mayor Patrick Hall leading the opposition. He argued that operational matters, including the location of bin laydown areas, should be handled between city staff and the contractor, Veolia Environmental Services (Australia).
Mayor Hall urged the council to focus on maximising the community benefit of the contract, maintaining convenience for residents, and minimising costs by reducing transport logistics. He also raised a broader philosophical question about where to draw the line on hiding infrastructure deemed unsightly.
"There are hundreds of items of infrastructure right across the city which may be deemed as an unsightly blight, including high tension power lines across the city, sports lighting towers in our parks and reserves," Mr Hall said. "Building sites are unsightly. We’ve got that much building going on in the city. Where do we stop?"
Contract Details and Staff Recommendations
The City of Canning's on-call skip bin service has been running for approximately two years, with residents booking around 1500 bins per month. As part of its contract with Veolia, the city must provide up to 10 laydown areas where bins are stored before being deployed.
Current storage locations include:
- Queens Park Reserve
- Centenary Park
- Ferndale Reserve Park
- Bentley Community Centre
- Willetton Park
- The Ranford Road waste transfer station
City staff had recommended against Cr Hurn's proposal due to potential costs and contract complications. A council report acknowledged that the temporary fencing erected around most bins (at the contractor's expense to prevent illegal dumping) was "visually unappealing".
The report provided cost estimates for solutions: $10,000 per site for visually impermeable fencing, and $48,000 per site for purpose-built storage sheds. City CEO Michael Littleton stated that staff were prepared to work through any laydown area issues raised by councillors, but the majority vote has halted the immediate push for concealment.
The decision means the distinctive skip bins will continue to be a visible feature in several of the city's parks and reserves for the foreseeable future.
