Canterbury Bankstown Councillor Bilal El-Hayek said abandoned shopping trolleys continued to be a problem and despite previously writing to the Minister for Planning and Public Places and the Minister for Energy and Environment, “it’s disappointing that we have received no response from either”.
At Cr El-Hayek’s request, the council will write to the Premier, Ministers for Planning and Public Places and Minister for Energy and Environment seeking responses to letters sent in August 2019, changes to the Impounding Act to place greater responsibility on commercial retailers in preventing the abandonment of shopping trolleys on public land and mandating trolley management systems – such as coin operated trolleys or wheel-lock mechanisms – to all retail operators that supply trolleys by December 31, 2022.”
Cr El-Hayek said dumped shopping trolleys continued to create hazards for cars and pedestrians and end up in parks, bushlands and creeks.
“It is a persistent problem and I know we are not alone in this fight,” he said.
“As well as being an eyesore they can be quite dangerous.
“Many councils around the state have attempted or are attempting to formulate strategies to best manage the issue. However, currently these strategies are at the shopping centre/retailer’s discretion, the strategies are simply not working and more needs to be done.”
Almost 12 months ago – after writing to the Minister – the council took to the streets and collected more than 100 abandoned shopping trolleys in one day.
Residents are also encouraged to report abandoned trolleys to Trolley Tracker – trolleytracker.com.au for a chance to win $1,000.
