by GRACE JOHNSON
After months of widespread community concern about FOGO and red bin services, Inner West residents are outraged that council failed to address this issue in their first meeting of the year.
Residents have complained about foul stenches oozing from the bins and along entire streets, particularly during hot and humid weather. Maggots, large blue flies and other vermin are posing serious health concerns.
Over the holiday period, Inner West Council published videos on its social media accounts suggesting that residents store FOGO scraps in the freezer until collection and spray countertops with vinegar to deter pests. Locals called it a “slap in the face”.
It was expected that this issue would be a priority in council’s first meeting of the year, which took place last Tuesday, on February 13.
Instead, they failed to address this item as well as a second item about FOGO.
As Independent Councillor John Stamolis wrote on his Facebook page, “Both motions should have been treated as priority but were instead pushed out to the March meeting with little concern.”
“Fortunately, a strong response from the community has forced Council to address these items sooner,” he added.
After brushing aside the issues, despite council having promised to discuss the issues in a February 2 media release, council has now called for an extraordinary meeting on February 20.
An active member of the community told City Hub, “I wonder if someone hasn’t given council a rap over the knuckles.”
At the moment of publication, City Hub understands that a report may have been made to NSW Health, which would obviously escalate the issue beyond a council that seems to ignore its community’s concerns.
The community member, who wished to remain anonymous, told City Hub that the failure to discuss community concerns in last week’s meeting was “incredibly disappointing”.
“What it demonstrates to me is a council that is not willing to take any ownership or responsibility for what’s happening, and that they don’t see it as important, and they certainly don’t see it as a health issue.”
Despite growing calls for action on the havoc wreaked by the FOGO bins, Labor councillors instead issued a newsletter with a section titled ‘FOGO Success!’
“Inner Westies, you’re FOGO Heroes!” the newsletter reads.
“Since FOGO started in October 2023, our garbos have collected over 6,106 tonnes of FOGO! This equates to 12,822 tonnes of CO2, or taking 7,994 cars off the road,” it continues.
“That is truly incredible and we should all be very proud of our efforts in saving the planet. Give yourselves a pat on the back!”
The Labor majority on the Inner West Council has garnered significant criticism over the years, with many community members lamenting that they no longer feel represented by their local council.
Referring to the Labor councillors, the community member told City Hub, “They are not representing the community, they are representing themselves.”
“That’s why many people don’t bother anymore.”
“FOGO should have absolutely been a priority at the council meeting,” they reiterated.
At the extraordinary meeting, council will provide an update on FOGO and discuss more support for recycling services.
