Cr Stephen Smith has called on council to investigate widening where it collects garbage bins from, slamming the current service that stretches just half a kilometre out of town.

“The whole shire should have a bin collection,” he said.

“We just have to get up with the times.

“I want to see (garbage collection) extended on the north side of the river. It only comes about 500 metres this (Kelvin) side of (Cohens) bridge.”

Cr Smith believed the distance and cost to use the town tip made it unappealing to many shire residents, but conceded visitors and young kids were largely to blame for illegal dumping.

Cr Colleen Fuller backed calls to explore increasing the service, welcoming any measures that would help combat dumping.

“It’s just not acceptable for our community to pay for it, so if we have to spend a few more dollars, let’s do it,” she said.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s building and environment manager Blake O’Mullane confirmed they would investigate expanding the garbage collection service.

“We’re planning to workshop this matter with the councillors in the coming weeks and will then prepare a report that will be forwarded to council for their consideration,” he said.

“This issue was raised as a potential way to further deter people from dumping illegally. We are looking into whether an extension of the garbage service is a viable option and could potentially be part of a larger solution.”

It comes as council forges ahead in its fight against illegal dumping, with 10 cameras and signage to be installed in known hot spots across the town when weather permits, 

“We’re serious about addressing the issue and intend on prosecuting those who are caught illegally dumping to send the message that our community won’t stand for it,” Mr O’Mullane said.