Victorian Liberals promise to restore weekly rubbish collection

In Victoria, Australia, the Liberal Party has pledged to reinstate weekly rubbish collections if they win the upcoming state election in November 2026. Jess Wilson, the party leader, criticized the current fortnightly collection system, describing it as 'disgusting' and highlighting the challenges faced by families, particularly those with young children. The shift to fortnightly collections has been adopted by thirty-three councils in Victoria, with similar changes occurring in other states, often justified by the introduction of food organics and garden organics (Fogo) collections. However, this has led to overflowing bins and increased waste in public areas, prompting calls for change. Wilson's proposal includes a commitment to ensure that households will not face increased costs due to the change, as the council rate cap would also apply to waste charges. This initiative aims to address the growing concerns about waste management and pollution, as well as the impact of the state government's landfill levy, which has significantly increased in recent years. The Liberal Party has also committed to reviewing this levy if elected, indicating a broader approach to waste management reform in the state. The current situation reflects a growing frustration among residents regarding waste collection services, and the upcoming election presents an opportunity for voters to express their views on this critical issue.