Northern Grampians Shire Council’s efforts to triple the rate of waste collection at Halls Gap during the school holiday period was met with unprecedented demand.
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Town residents were unhappy with the amount of waste left behind as huge numbers flocked to the popular tourist destination across the last two weeks.
Resident Megan Calabro said it was an issue that continued to plague Halls Gap.
“As more people are camping, more people are also staying in accommodation within Halls Gap, more dollars spent, means more rubbish created,” she said.
“With thanks to the Northern Grampians Shire, out came some more bins, to deal with this pollution.
“Those bins however, did not return for this long weekend/school holidays.”
Ms Calabro said Halls Gap could benefit from a skip during busier times of the year.
Northern Grampians Shire Council acting director of infrastructure and environment Warren Groves said the waste collection rate at Halls Gap was tripled in order to align with both the Victorian and South Australian school holiday periods.
"We had based our preparation for this period based upon data reflecting the same time period the previous year, but unfortunately, we were met with unprecedented demand for waste collection," he said.
"Despite the apparent simplicity of the required resolution to this matter, it is quite complex and involves a number of stakeholders from the Halls Gap/Grampians region.
"We are continuing to work closely with the relevant stakeholders in order to find a outcome which suits all those involved, and we continue to welcome feedback from the public on this matter."
Talks will commence this week with DELWP, Parks Victoria, Grampians Tourism, Halls Gap business owners.
Landcare facilitator Andrea Mitchell said the area was an iconic destination and needed to be looked after. “There must be personal responsibility and we have to look at recycling initiatives,” she said. “It is just not okay to dump rubbish and leave.”