Murchison’s Resource Recovery Centre closure faces growing backlash from residents needing the services.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
Frustration is growing among Murchison residents as the town’s Resource Recovery Centre remains closed for a third consecutive month due to staffing issues.
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On Monday, September 16, concerned locals gathered at the locked gates to demand the reinstatement of this essential service.
With no convenient waste disposal options, many fear the closure could become permanent. Meanwhile, illegal dumping of chemicals and rubbish is already affecting nearby bushland, prompting residents to seek answers.
Local resident Paul Shaddix contacted Greater Shepparton City Council manager of resource recovery Liam Moller, who responded via email, stating that the closure was due to ongoing difficulties in finding applicants for the vacant position.
“It states they’re having employment issues, and no-one has applied for the job, but ... someone here today applied and was told they were unsuccessful,” Mr Shaddix said.
“The council doesn’t give a rat’s arse about us out here.
“All we’re asking for is eight hours a week, and the fact that they can’t send anyone from another centre to help open it isn’t good enough.”
Michael Wood, a Murchison resident with eight years of experience in waste services from a NSW shire, applied for the position but said he was told he was unsuccessful without any explanation.
“They left a message on my phone saying I wasn’t successful,” Mr Wood said.
“I have so much experience, so I don’t understand why. I applied again, but then I was told the application was closed, and now I can’t find the job on the council’s website at all.
“It’s a joke, just like their new bin system, where people’s bins are overloaded every fortnight due to reduced services and smaller bin sizes. Now with this closure, our community is suffering. This service is essential, and I’m still looking for a job because I have a mortgage to pay.”
Many residents of all ages came forward to voice their concerns, and the public sentiment was consistent.
They expressed that the situation was unacceptable, noting that the surrounding bushland was being negatively impacted.
They also highlighted that not everyone had the means or affordability to travel to other areas for waste disposal.
Additionally, they said residents paid rates like everyone else, and recent rate increases were causing financial strain for many.
Finally, there was a strong demand for the council to address these issues with transparency.
John Albury, who has lived in Murchison for 18 years, said he had never seen anything like this during his time in the town.
“I’ve been around since before this tip even existed,” he said.
“You wait; in a month’s time, there will be rubbish everywhere. I live on 40 acres just down the road, and it's already scattered with rubbish — chemicals, batteries, paint, furniture — everywhere I look.
“We need a tip badly. Do they want us to create a mess all around the place? Don’t they care about the environment? People are getting frustrated about this situation. Why can’t they get someone from another centre to help staff this one while they find a replacement? There are plenty of people who would work here; they need to do something about this.”
On September 5, council was emailed for an update on the situation.
The inquiry included questions about the reopening date, the employment process and a detailed description of the feedback The News has been receiving from Murchison residents.
Four days later, council’s response was a two-sentence quote from director of infrastructure Gary Randhawa.
“The Resource Recovery Department is currently progressing through the recruitment process,” Mr Randhawa said.
“As the recruitment process is open, we are unable to confirm a re-opening date at this point.”
As frustration mounts and the Murchison community’s patience wears thin, residents are demanding immediate action from council.
Residents say the ongoing lack of transparency and response only heightens concerns and exacerbates the potential for environmental damage.
Bill Woodward, reflecting on the gathering at the centre on Monday evening, noted that residents left with deepening doubts but still a glimmer of hope for answers.
He emphasised that council must address this crisis urgently to prevent further deterioration and irreparable damage to public trust.
"Without prompt action, the council risks escalating the environmental damage and further alienating the community it serves,” Mr Woodward said.
“The time for vague assurances has passed; residents are calling for decisive measures to restore this critical service immediately."
Murchison residents demand swift action to end the resource centre shutdown.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
Murchison residents Paul Shaddix, Michael Wood and Bill Woodward, along with other locals, gathered at the closed gates of the Murchison Resource Recovery Centre on Monday, demanding answers from the council about the facility’s abrupt and ongoing closure.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
Thumbs down to Greater Shepparton City Council from Murchison residents Paul Shaddix, Michael Wood and Bill Woodward, along with other locals, gathered at the closed gates of the Murchison Resource Recovery Centre on Monday.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
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