By Natalie Gallenti
The Rapid Response Unit was launched to improve cleanliness in town centres and is on call from 8am to 4.30pm and responds to reports of dumped rubbish, including syringes and dead animals.
The council formed the program only a month after residents complained about an unsightly mess behind Village Cinemas, just metres from the city’s town centre.
Residents were angered by the dumping of bikes, trolleys and other large items which were left on the sidewalk.
With the implementation of the new program, a report of dumped rubbish will result in an inspection from the Rapid Response Unit. The unit officer will collect the rubbish on the spot or call for assistance in the case where the material is too big for the utility vehicle or when the material is unsuitable to be handled by a unit officer.
Council says not only will the new program improve the appearance of the city, but it will utilise two dump trucks, which will be used in hot spot patrols along laneways in commercial areas, industrial areas and parks and reserves.
However Sunshine resident Brian Carroll said more had to be done to clean up Brimbank streets.
Mr Carroll runs a cleaning business and said most people dumped rubbish because of the exorbitant cost of going to the tip. He said drastic measures had to be taken to tidy up the city.
“Council needs to think outside the square,” Mr Carroll said.
“There needs to be a pro-active approach and a whole new way of thinking.”
Mr Carroll is calling on the council to build a transfer station, similar to one in Melton Shire, to recycle any unwanted materials.
“We need a long-term solution, rather than just a knee-jerk reaction.
“Council needs to go back to the drawing board and sit back and think about it properly.”
He said if a transfer station was indeed constructed it could also benefit unemployed youth in the area.
“We can make something positive out of this and get young people involved and working.”
