The merged (by government force) Western Plains Regional Council (WPCC) has decided it will tender for a system with a third bin for food and garden waste.

The third bin and reduced frequency of collection for residents’ standard waste bins faced much opposition when first mooted by the democratically-elected Dubbo City Council.

The Ratepayers’ Association, some in council (if quietly) and any number of residents were strongly against the proposal.

The Dubbo council produced surveys claiming a significant number of residents supported the plan. Other surveys showed a big number were against it.

Often cited as a problem was that the weekly collection of the general bins would change to fortnightly.

Families complained and predicted strong, unpleasant odours from garbage left standing for two weeks in the scorching summer months. Questions about the used nappies frequently featured.

Battle lines were drawn. The councillors moved slowly on the plan – messing with the bin looked like getting … well, messy. The people can be noisy and they also vote.

Other city councils were pushing the bins on their communities. The outcry in Orange saw that council back off.

It decided on a trial of the three-bin system. The council was then merged with Wellington.

The WPCC says the trial was a “success” and a survey showed 76 per cent supported, or at least did not oppose, introduction of the system.

That is at odds with social media responses where residents have vented their frustrations.

Former councillor Greg Mohr said, once again, the people had spoken and not been heard by council. And there is a major point.

There are no councillors. Just the administrator Mr Michael Kneipp and council officials.

Where is the debate on issues?

The bins change is the first controversial community issues to raise its head since the forced merger.

There are strong views in the community. The community can’t express them, as it normally would, through its elected representatives and can’t influence outcomes.

Is this the new reality for local government in Dubbo?