If we are going to try again we would be well advised to look at what did or did not happen last time.

Firstly we need clearly stated objectives that are understood and accepted by all involved.

For Business
1. The tip hours extended to from 6am to 6pm during the peak periods.
2. Bulk rates negotiated for heavy users during the peak periods, say a maximum charge of $75 per day irrespective of the number and type of loads tipped during that day.
3. Peak periods to be determined by the community not the shire, perhaps based on occupancy rates at the shire caravan park.

For Residents
1. Elimination of fees for clean garden waste and the provision of on-site mulching equipment and for the sale of mulch. All unsuitable garden waste to be charged as for ordinary waste.

We will continue recycling until all these changes have been made and in the interim period monies raised will be used to firstly optimise the collection process, purchase trailers etc. and then look at ways of improving our access to the tip, ie paying someone local to extend tip opening hours.

I am assuming that the Shire cannot use planning controls to stop us storing large volumes of aluminium cans provided basic noise / nuisance concerns are met. If space were made available in the industrial estate, I doubt the Shire would succeed however desperately they tried to shut down this initiative.

Last time, recycling was offered on an open to all basis and it was abused by a small minority who dumped dirty unsorted material. This time we should recycle on an invitation only basis. Since the collection site will be on private land anyone who abuses the facility could be firstly asked to remove their litter and then could be denied further access.

Clearly we can all get involved in this but it will only thrive if the major generators of this type of waste support the idea.

If this works and does not alter the Shire's attitude, we can then look at glass, plastics and paper.

Finally, since Mallacoota needs another associated body like a hole in the head , this scheme must been established under the umbrella of an existing association. It is a pity the business community is not more organised as the Mallacoota Community Association has enough on its plate at the moment.