South Coast MP Shelley Hancock said a Facebook status by Mayor Amanda Findley responding to her post encouraging council to apply for funding from the state government’s organics collection was an “overreaction”. 

Cr Findley said she “wished” the state member would “butt out” of council’s business.  

“Council is currently conducting a waste strategy consultation. Meanwhile, the local [state] member is asking ‘Do you want a green bin?’,” Cr Findley said.

However, Mrs Hancock said she did not “meddle in the affairs of council”. 

“This was always about starting a conversation with the community to see whether there is a need for the service, and highlighting that the State Government is here to support council financially,” Mrs Hancock said.

“The recent comments by the Greens Mayor are surprising and a childish overreaction.

“I am open to showing them the government has funds available and is supporting them, as their applications in the past have been inadequate, such as for the Nowra Showground.”

A poll run by Fairfax Media online recently showed the majority of voters wanted a green waste service in the Shoalhaven. 

The poll, which is not scientific, asked people if they would like a green bin. Those voting yes, 87.3 per cent, far outweighed those against introducing the service, 12.7 per cent. 

The council is eligible to apply for a grant of up to $1.3 million to help improve wast collection services in order to help reduce food waste going to landfill. 

Mrs Hancock said the community should “be informed” that the money was available. 

“Other councils across the state are already taking advantage of the program to fund innovative waste solutions that are saving them money and protecting the local environment,” she said. 

“For example one council is using the organic waste diverted from landfill to help local farmers and improve soil quality. While another council has been able to turn the organic waste into compost and mulch used on local parks and sports ground.

“Even better a council in our region has implemented a program saving ratepayers more than $200,000 in waste levy payments in the first year of the program alone with the added benefit of extending the lifespan of the landfill facility.” 

See more: Callala resident green with envy 

Mrs Hancock “strongly” advised Cr Findley to “listen to the community” and investigate the funding opportunity. 

Applications for the funding will close on June 28, 2018. 

To have you say on council’s draft waste reduction management strategy, click here.