POLLUTION threatens the pristine Pindimar waterfront, as MidCoast Council unilaterally plans to remove crucial public rubbish bins from South Pindimar Reserve.

Currently, eight Council-provided bins sit neatly near the BBQ shelter, resulting from a decision to accommodate the recent holiday influx to the area.

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“The area has been discovered, since COVID holiday season now extends almost year-round,” Vivian Panhuber, President of the Pindimar/Bundabah Community Association (PBCA) told NOTA.

However, recent Council notification has decreed to ‘urban’ and ‘non-urban’ residents alike that the bins shall go, eventually replaced by narrow-opening metal alternatives.

Council’s signage proclaims the bins are strictly for picnic and BBQ facilities users, not household rubbish.

“The PBCA has grave concerns over the proposed change, which happened without community consultation,” Ms Panhuber said.

The notice specifically directs non-urban land-owners to travel into Tea Gardens Waste Management Centre to dispose of their rubbish, at a cost of $10.50.

“Council assumes that garbage left around the bins is only from non-urban land-owners.

“This is prejudicial, discriminatory, untrue and unfair,” Allan Thorley, Chair of the PBCA Non-Urban Committee told NOTA.

“Council has never offered non-urban land-owners a bin service, despite the fact that we pay rates like everyone else, and we don’t get much for them as it is,” Mr Thorley added.

Regardless of any alleged prejudice, one undeniable fact remains – many more people can use the bins.

The Tea Gardens Waste Management Centre is 15.5km away from South Pindimar Reserve, a three-hour walk according to Google Maps – hardly “nearby”, as Council’s notice declares, and a major disincentive for any day-trippers rushing to get home.

“People travelling north or south on the M1 do not pass the Centre, which has limited opening hours, and they won’t be racing to pay, either,” Ms Panhuber explained.

The most frustrating fact for the PBCA is that MidCoast Council failed to consult anyone locally.

As Mr Thorley stated, “It would have allowed property owners to contribute thoughts and alternate strategies.”

By Thomas O’KEEFE