Last year (2024) the NBC was awarded a $500,000 NSW Grant to employ staff with the specific mission to reduce litter in the area. So far NBC has collected a lot of data but only the volunteers appear to have been collecting the litter. At a meeting with the MCF and community members the Waste Staff revealed that they were reviewing the signage on the public place bins as part of their plan. In November we saw this innovative proposal come to fruition on the beachfront and on the Corso. However, the new signage on the bin hides has not resolved the issue of the bins’ horrendous stench or cleanliness in the immediate surrounding areas or the overflowing bins at peak times. Food scraps, including dairy products as well as milky coffee cups souring on a hot day not to mention the compostable bags of dog poo in the mix make for a very toxic odour. Kudos to the council guys who empty the bins but these bins need a good regular hose out as well. Maybe the swimming and surfing community that gather at South Steyne each morning could be more conscientious about bringing their reusable coffee cups.

The community’s priority in this area is implementing a program that changes single use and littering behaviour, especially on the beaches. Don’t just change the signs/pictures on the bins, empty them regularly and keep them clean. More on this next year.