Mayoral Column - 26 March 2025
Published on 26 March 2025
As we continue to work towards a more sustainable future for our region, you may have heard discussions about the rollout of food organics collection (FOGO). This is an exciting step forward, and I want to share what it will mean for you.
Alongside Singleton and Maitland Councils, we’ll be expanding on the existing green bin services to include food organic recycling. You’ll be able to dispose of food scraps like raw and cooked food, fruit and vegetable peels, bread, meat, bones, poultry, and seafood (except oyster, scallop, and crab shells) in your green bin.
This change will reduce carbon emissions and save money, including significant charges councils pay directly to the NSW EPA for every tonne of landfill through their waste levy. We’ll also be able to convert food scraps and other green waste into mulch and compost that can be used to keep our parks and gardens in top condition.
To accommodate the extra waste, green bin collections will switch to weekly pickups starting this June.
Alongside improving our sustainability, another key focus for Council is upgrading our local landmarks, such as the Kitchener Poppethead boardwalk and jetty. Council has successfully secured funding necessary to complete much-needed upgrades. As many of you know, parts of the boardwalk have been inaccessible following significant flood damage which has prevented people from completing the full loop around the dam. I’m happy to report that we’re officially on track to fix that!
The upgrades will transform the boardwalk into a robust and durable structure, featuring galvanised steel and fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) decking. The jetty will also be completely renovated, with a new accessible and stable viewing deck, designed to withstand fluctuating water levels. Once completed, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views all year round, rain or shine!
This fantastic project wouldn’t be possible without generous funding support from the NSW Government. I look forward to seeing this cherished local spot brought back to life for the community to once again enjoy.
In other exciting news, don’t forget about our ‘Support Local’ March competition! This month, Council is giving away $500 in vouchers to be used at local health and fitness businesses right here in our local government area.
For a chance to win, I encourage residents to support these local businesses at the heart of our community’s wellbeing, by posting on Facebook and tagging their favourite local gym, fitness studio, personal trainer or yoga studio, and including the hashtag #SupportLocalCessnock in the caption. The competition runs until 30 March 2025, so don’t forget to enter!