City of Melville Minutes – SMRC RRRC WCF Odour Issue – 21 April 2009
6. QUESTION TIME
At the April 2009 Ordinary Meeting of Council Ms Mandy Clark asked several questions relating to the South Metropolitan Regional Council. These questions were taken on notice as Ms Clark was not in attendance at the meeting. A written response has been forwarded to Ms Clark, below outlines the questions and responses given by the Chief Executive Officer.
6.1 Mandy Clarke, Leeming
Question 1
“Considering the disgraceful and insulting content of the recent SMRC “You Tube” videos towards the residents suffering at the hands of the RRRC Waste Composting Facility’s noxious odour, and the recent action, which we applaud, that the
City of Canning has taken action In regard to this issue. What action will the City of Melville be taking in regards to the City of Melville’s SMRC representative, Deputy Chairman of the SMRC, and former President of the West Australian Local
Government Association, Councillor Clive Robartson’s involvement in the “You Tube” videos?”
Response
Councillor Robartson was unaware of the Chairman of the SMRC’s intention to post the recordings of their site visit on “You Tube”. As such, the City is completely satisfied that Councillor Robartson had no involvement in this matter and that no further action is required.
Question 2
“The City of Canning has recently moved to withdraw from the SMRC’s establishment agreement – I have enclosed the minutes with these questions. The majority of the City of Canning Councillors and Mayor Joe Delle Donne care about
the residents and the terrible impact the RRRC WCF odour, and the financial obligations to the SMRC has had on the 1000′s of ratepayers which the RRRC WCF was built so close too. Is the City of Melville considering withdrawing from the SMRC establishment agreement as well?”
Response
The City of Melville accepts its long term commitment to the SMRC Participant’s Agreement and is not considering withdrawing.
Question 3
“Is there going to be any rate hikes this year in regards to costs involved with the SMRC, for example our rubbish rates? If so, how much?”
Response
Any increase in costs associated with the RRRC facility and the SMRC will be passed on to the City of Melville in accordance with the proportions as outlined in the SMRC Participants Agreement. These increased costs would then be reflected in the City of Melville’s Refuse Charges. As the SMRC has not yet prepared its budget for 2009/2010, the City of Melville does not have the information available to it to enable it to calculate what the increases may be. The results of the SMRC’s mid year budget review would indicate however that the cost increases will be very significant.
Question 4
“How will the City of Canning’s withdrawal from the SMRC’s establishment agreement affect the City of Melville’s financial obligations to the SMRC? Will the City of Melville’s contribution be increased? If so by how much?”
Response
The financial impact of the City of Canning’s withdrawal from the SMRC cannot be accurately estimated at this time. However based on the fact that the City of Canning was a very significant participant in the SMRC and the fixed nature of
many of the expenses associated with operation of the SMRC, it could be expected that their withdrawal will result in a substantial increase in the financial obligations of the remaining participants in order to fund the SMRC.
