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Council

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1. Where are Snowy Monaro Regional Council staff, administrative offices and customer service centres located?

Council's Head Office is located at the Cooma office at 81 Commissioner Street, Cooma.

Our customer service staff can assist you in each of our offices.

- Customer Service Centre at 81 Commissioner Street COOMA NSW 2630.
- Customer Service Centre at 2 Myack Street BERRIDALE NSW 2628
- Customer Service Centre at 71 Caveat Street BOMBALA NSW 2632
- Customer Service Centre at Shop 2 Razorback Plaza Gippsland Street JINDABYNE NSW 2627

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Dogs and Cats

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1. Do I have to register my Dog or Cat?

All cats and dogs, other than exempt cats and dogs, must be registered by six months of age. The registration fee is a once-only payment, which covers the cat or dog for its lifetime in NSW, regardless of any changes in ownership. You are encouraged to have your cat or dog desexed before registering it.

Discounted registration fees apply to desexed cats or dogs. Having your cat or dog desexed prior to registration helps to reduce straying, fighting and aggression and antisocial behaviour, such as spraying to mark territory. It also helps to reduce the number of unwanted pets born each year.

Registration fees are used by councils for providing animal management related services to the community. These may include ranger services, pound facilities, dog refuse bins, educational and other companion animal-related activities.

2. When does my cat or dog have to be microchipped?

Since 1 July 1999 all dogs and cats in NSW must be microchipped at point of sale, change of ownership or by 12 weeks of age, whichever occurs first.

3. Does my farm working dog have to be registered?

A working dog is defined in the Companion Animals Act as a dog used primarily for the purpose of droving, tending, working or protecting stock, and includes a dog which is being trained as a working dog.
If the dog is ordinarily kept on land categorised as farmland for rating purposes it is exempt from microchipping and registration requirements.
For all other working dogs that do not meet the above exemption requirements, microchipping and lifetime registration is required, but no registration fee applies.
If you own a working dog that is exempt from microchipping and lifetime registration, you are encouraged to microchip and register your valuable animal. However, no registration fee applies.
Farm pets are NOT considered to be working dogs.

4. Can my cat or dog lose its exemption from microchipping and lifetime registration?

Yes. If your cat or dog is exempt from microchipping and registration requirements it may lose its exemption if it breaches the Companion Animals Act.
Any dog which has been declared dangerous (including working dogs) must be microchipped and lifetime registered. Similarly, any dog or cat which is the subject of a nuisance order must be microchipped and registered.
If a person is convicted of an offence under the Companion Animals Act, any registration exemption which may apply is lost, and the animal must be microchipped and lifetime registered.
Similarly, if any cat or dog is taken into the custody of a council pound it must be microchipped and registered before being released to its owner (even if it is less than 6 months old).

5. Do I have to register and microchip my cat?

Yes cats must be registered and microchipped the same as dogs.

6. How much does lifetime registration cost?

Registration fees for dogs and cats are set by legislation and councils are unable to change them. Registration fees are subject to change, please check with council before making any payments.

For the current list of fees and charges please visit https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/content/registration-fees

7. I have recently moved to NSW – how long until I have to lifetime register my pet?

You have 3 months to register your pet on the NSW Companion Animals Register after you have moved to NSW. Registration is for the life of the animal so even if you move interstate again and then return, your pet is still registered. Don’t forget to update your contact details on the Register by contacting your local council

8. What do I need to do if I give my pet away or sell it?

Under the Companion Animals Act, you cannot sell or give away a companion animal without having it permanently identified by microchip. All puppies or kittens need to be microchipped by the age of 12 weeks, but if you sell or give away animals before this age, you are still responsible for ensuring that they are microchipped before they leave your ownership. A fine applies for breaching these provisions.

9. What do I need to do if my pet is lost or dies?

If your pet has been lost you must notify your local council within 72 hours and if your animal is found you must also let council know that your pet has returned home.
If your pet dies then your local council must be notified within 28 days. You can do so in writing or by phone. All other notifications (including change of address or ownership) must be done in writing, using the appropriate form.

10. Do I have to keep my cat inside?

The Companion Animals Act does not contain any requirement for cats to be kept inside, or a cat curfew. However, cat owners are encouraged to keep their cat inside at night as this can provide many benefits to both the cat itself and the general community

11. Does my dog need to be on a leash?

Yes, dogs must be on a lead at all times unless they are in a designated, sign posted off leash area.

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Information About Rates and Water Accounts

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1. How do I update my contact details with Council

Changes to contact details MUST be received in writing. Complete an online change of address via our website. Or you can email, fax, post or deliver to a Council office, a Change of Address notification.

2. Can I receive my notices via email?

Yes. To register to receive your notices by email, please visit
snowymonaro.enotices.com.au

3. When are my Rates due?

You can pay the full amount by 31 August
Or you can pay by instalments. Instalments are to be paid by the following dates:

1st Instalment due: 31 August
2nd Instalment due: 30 November
3rd Instalment due: 28 February
4th (Final) Instalment due: 31 May

4. If I pay my rates in full, rather than in the quarterly instalments, can I get a reduction?

No – The rates that are levied are not reduced when paid in full.

5. How is my land valued?

Land Rates are calculated on the rateable valuation supplied by Land and Property Information (LPI).

The LPI Division of the Department of Lands (formerly known as the NSW Valuer General's Office) determines the value to be used by Council for rating purposes and supplies updates during the year.

6. Can I appeal the valuation of my land?

Any objections or appeals regarding the land valuation must be directed to the Land and Property Information. Whether or not an objection is pending, the rates levied must be paid by the due date indicated on the front of your Rates notice.

Contact Land and Property Information - call 1300 052 637 or visit www.lpi.nsw.gov.au

7. What does 'ad valorem' mean?

Ad valorem is an amount paid against the dollar value of your land. Commonly this is only a fraction of a single cent for each dollar of land value.

The ad valorem charge differs for the residential/farmland and business/mining categories and is levied on the unimproved land value of a property, as determined by Land and Property Information (LPI).

The LPI can be contacted on 1800 110 038 for any queries relating to land values.

8. How is my land categorised for rating purposes?

All land is categorised according to its primary or permitted use for the purposes of rating. Council has categorised all land to be within one of the following categories:

RESIDENTIAL - principle or primary use as residential accommodation
RURAL RESIDENTIAL - contains a dwelling and the land area is between 2 and 40 hectares
BUSINESS - where the principle use is for commercial or industrial use, or cannot be categorised in one of the other categories
FARMLAND - primary use is for the business of farming
MINING - where the owner has rights to mine coal or metals from land

9. What happens if I disagree with the category shown on my rate notice?

You can request a categorisation review at any time by writing to Council.

If you have changed the use of your property, you need to notify us within 30 days.

10. When does a change in category occur?

We will notify you in writing if a change is proposed and you will have the opportunity to appeal the decision.

The new category will be effective from the date declared in writing by us (generally from the beginning of the next financial year).

11. When am I charged interest?

If an instalment is not paid on or before the due date, the instalment will become overdue and it will be subject to interest.

Rates in arrears are subject to daily interest in accordance with the provisions of The Local Government Act 1993 - Section 566 at the interest rate approved by the Minister for Local Government.

The interest percentage will be shown on the front of your rate notice.

Rates that remain unpaid may be included in recovery proceedings. Such action may incur recovery costs in addition to interest charges.

12. Am I entitled to a Pensioner Rebate for my Rates/Water?

If you are an eligible pensioner, you may be entitled to a rebate. All NSW councils give a mandatory rebate to eligible pensioners of up to $250 off ordinary rates, $87.50 off water charges and $87.50 off sewer charges.

You are an eligible pensioner if you are liable to pay the rates and charges on a property, which is your sole or principle residence, and you have a current pensioner concession card issued by Centrelink, or you have a current pensioner concession card issued by the Department of Veteran's Affairs.

13. Can I amalgamate all my Rate Notices into one notice?

Contact the Land and Property Information (LPI) on 1300 052 637 to amalgamate your properties where you receive only one rates notice for multiple lots. The property is required to be vacant land and owned by the same person in the same Deposited Plan number. The valuation will be re-assessed for all parcels of land and Land and Property Information (LPI) will notify Council and the owner by sending documentation i.e. a new Valuation Certificate.

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Recycling FAQs

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1. What items can go into the kerbside yellow lid recycling bin?

Only recycle:
• Hard plastic bottles and containers
• Glass bottles and jars
• Steel and aluminium cans
• Paper and cardboard
Please visit Council’s website or contact the Resource and Waste Education Department on 1300 345 345 for more information on what can be placed in your yellow lidded recycling bin.

What Can I Recycle

2. Can I recycle aerosol cans?

Yes. They must be empty and the lid removed.

3. Can aluminium cans, foil and foil trays be recycled?

Yes, make sure there is no food or liquid residue. Aluminium foil should be made into a ball approximately the size of a fist or larger.

4. Can I recycle pizza boxes?

If it’s oily or cheesy it can go in your home compost or if it is clean it can go into your recycling bin. You can rip the lid off the oily base and recycle the clean lid only. If you don’t have home compost the oily cardboard should go in the red lidded waste bin.

5. Do I have to rinse containers before putting them in my recycling bin?

Yes, all containers must be free of all food and fluids. A handy tip to save water; you can wash containers in your dishwasher or rinse them with the dirty water from the end of your dishes.

6. Do I have to remove the lids from bottles and jars before I put them in the recycling bin?

Yes. Anything smaller than a credit card cannot go in the recycling bin. Larger lids like peanut butter and milo lids can be placed separately in the recycling bin. Smaller lids and disposable coffee cup lids need to be disposed of in the red lidded waste bin.

7. Can I put drinking glasses, Pyrex dishes or broken window glass in my recycling bin?

No. This glass has different material properties and cannot be recycled in your yellow lidded recycling bin. Only household glass bottles and jars are accepted in your yellow lidded recycling bin.

8. Can soft plastics be disposed of in my recycling bin?

No. Soft plastics cause significant issues at the material recovery facility by tangling and jamming the machinery. Soft plastics can be collected separately and taken to your local REDcycle collection point at the supermarket.
where to REDcycle

9. Why can’t I place recyclable items in a bag or box?

Recycling placed inside plastic bags or boxes ends up as waste to landfill as contamination. The sorting process at the materials recycling facility means that staff are unable to open bags or boxes for safety reasons. All bagged material gets sent to landfill. Keeping items loose ensures that the material can be sorted properly.

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Return and Earn FAQs

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1. Where is my nearest collection point?

BOMBALA
The collection point is an over the counter (OTCs) site and located at the Bombala Powers IGA, 128 Maybe Street, Bombala NSW. Open 8am – 12noon 7 days per week.

COOMA
The collection point is a reverse vending machine (RVM) and located in the carpark of the Woolworths Cooma, 12-20 Vale Street, Cooma NSW. Open 7am – 10pm 7 days per week.

JINDABYNE
The collection point is a reverse vending machine (RVM) and located in the carpark of the Lake Jindabyne Hotel, 21 McLure Circuit, Jindabyne NSW. Open 8am – 6pm 7 days per week.

2. How do I use a reverse vending machine?

Reverse vending machines work in the opposite way to a drink machine –you insert your eligible containers one at a time and the machine calculates the total and presents three options for you to receive your refund.
1. Direct deposit into a registered PayPal account by scanning the code on your smartphone myTOMRA app.
2. Collect a printed voucher that can be redeemed for either cash or in-store purchase at the retail partner.
3. Donate to one of the donation partners listed on the machine.

3. Can I crush my cans and bottles?

No. Do not crush containers prior to redeeming your refund. Containers, should be empty, uncrushed, unbroken and with the original label attached. Containers must be verified as eligible before a refund is paid.

4. Do I need to remove the lid from my container?

No. Bottles with lids can go through RVMs without difficulty. You can insert bottles with or without the lids.

5. Can I still use my yellow bin for recycling?

Yes. Kerbside recycling remains very important to our community, and Return and Earn is designed to complement this system. Eligible containers can continue to be placed in the kerbside system, and kerbside recycling will continue to be important for containers that are typically consumed at home, some of which aren’t eligible for a refund within Return and Earn. You will not personally receive the refund if you put containers in kerbside recycling.

6. Is this a Council Scheme?

No, Return and Earn is a NSW Government initiative that is run by a Scheme Coordinator, Exchange for Change, and a Network Operator, TOMRA Cleanaway, which is responsible for the network of collection points.

7. How do I become a collection point?

To register your interest to run a collection point visit the website of the Network Operator, TOMRA-Cleanaway and fill out their online form: www.TCNSW.com.au

8. How can my school or community group use Return and Earn to fund raise?

Charities, schools, community or sporting groups can collect donations of empty eligible containers for the charity or community group to then redeem them at an approved collection point.
Charities, community groups and social enterprises can also work with the Network Operator to set up and run collection points in exchange for a service fee.

9. Where can I return my container?

Do you have eligible drink containers – bottles, cans or cartons – you’d like to return? Bring them to one of the convenient return points within your area, such as a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), an Over the Counter Site (OTC), Automated Depots (AD) or a Donation Station.

10. Reverse Vending Machines

There are many RVMs across NSW and more are opening all the time. The self-service machines provide a great way to return smaller quantities of containers, up to 500 in any one transaction.

NSW RVM Locations

11. Automated Depot

ADs are our staffed bulk container return centres. ADs can process any number of containers but are the best type of return point for returning larger volumes, 500+. ADs issue cash refunds and some will provide an electronic transfer.

12. Over the Counter site

These are local businesses, such as corner stores and news agencies, participating in Return and Earn. OTCs accept small quantities (usually less than 100) of eligible containers over the counter in return for a cash refund.

13. Donation Station

A Donation Station is an RVM that has only the donation feature available. Donation Stations do not give the option to receive a refund. Generally located at Service NSW offices, you will have the option to donate to a state-wide charity or local community group.

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Waste and Recycling FAQs

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1. Does recycling collected in the Snowy Monaro go to landfill?

No! After collection, recycling is transported to the ReGroup Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Hume, ACT for processing and does NOT go to landfill.

Around 90-95% of materials processed through the ACT MRF (paper, cardboard, glass, steel and aluminium) are sold to domestic markets. Paper and cardboard, which makes up around 45-55% of the material (by weight) are sent to a pulp and paper mill in Tumut NSW to produce recycled paper products. Glass, which makes up around 30-35% of the material processed is ground into sand and sold locally and interstate. Other materials such as (HDPE and PET plastics, aluminium and steel), are sold to a variety of end-users based on market demand.

For more facts from our MRF visit: https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recyclopaedia/canberras-recycling-story

For more information from council see where does my recycling go?

2. I’m not in an area that has a lime green lidded food and garden organics (FOGO) bin, when will I get a FOGO bin?

Council is committed to expanding this service to other townships, however, the composting facility at the Cooma Landfill site must undergo upgrading to allow for an increase in production. Council is currently preparing an Environmental Impact Statement that will be submitted as part of the approval process and the design and planning approval for the upgrade to compost facility is underway.

3. Should I follow the recycling information found on my bin or on food packaging?

a. My yellow lidded bin?
No! A lot of the bins are older and information on lids has changed. The best source of information for what can be recycled can be found in educational material supplied by Council (e.g. Council’s Resource and Waste collections calendar).
Please visit Council’s webpage What Can I Recycle or contact our Resource and Waste Education Department on 1300 345 345 to learn about what can be placed in your yellow lidded recycling bin.

b. The triangle “recycling” symbols on plastic packaging?
No! The triangle “recycling” symbol on plastic packaging is NOT a recycling symbol, the triangle is a plastic identification symbol which identifies the type of plastic a product is made from.
Councils yellow lidded recycling bins can currently only accept household packaging plastic-type numbers 1, 2, 3 and 5. Please visit Council’s webpage What Can I Recycle for more information.

c. The Australasian Recycling Label?
Yes! The new Australasian Recycling Label can be referred to for correct recycling information. The Australasian Recycling Label shows what can be done with each piece of packaging so that it can be disposed of most appropriately.
More information on the Australasian Recycling Label can be found here:
Australasian Recycling Label

4. Should I dispose of batteries in my red bin?

No! Batteries should be disposed of correctly for FREE at Council offices or waste facilities to allow them to be recycled. Batteries contain vital resources and should be recycled. Batteries disposed of in landfill have the potential to start fires when compaction occurs.

5. Has council considered waste to energy (WTE) or alternative waste treatment (AWT) facilities as part of the waste strategy?

Council has previously considered the potential feasibility of these waste management options in our local government area. Both of these waste management options were deemed unsuitable for Council due to scale and economic feasibility.

6. Is recycling the end goal?

Council encourages the reduction of all waste streams and diversion from landfill. This includes recycling.
You can reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by following the 5 Rs of zero waste. Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot.

Refuse purchase only what you need. Additionally, you could refuse single-use items that you don’t need such as plastic bags, straws and fresh produce wrapped in plastic.

Reduce the amount of waste you produce, choose products with less packaging and/or buy in bulk where possible. Buy products that will last a lifetime. Grow your food at home.

Reuse items you already have by buying new or using single-use products. Use a reusable coffee cup or straw. Choose rechargeable batteries instead of single-use and try using reusable cloths instead of paper towel.

Recycle all items that you cannot reuse instead of sending them to landfill. This includes using Community Recycling Centres and recycling facilities that accept those hard to recycle items which cannot be recycled as part your kerbside collection service, such as fluorescent tubes, batteries, electronics and soft plastics.

Rot by composting your organic material at home or using your lime green lidded food and garden organics bin where applicable.

How do I Recycle Right?

7. What are my waste charges and what do they cover?

Waste Management Charge applies to all rateable properties within the Snowy Monaro region. The charge assists Council in meeting the costs of providing waste transfer station facilities to the community, providing community waste education, household chemical collection days, operating the community recycling centres (including the mobile CRC), the cost of rehabilitating landfill legacy sites, providing waste disposal services to rural communities, clean up of illegal dumping activities and servicing of street litter bins. These are elements of the services which the waste management department provides to all members of the community.

Domestic Waste Collection Charges includes the collection, transport and disposal of waste.

Domestic Recycling Collection Charges includes the collection, transport to and processing fees at the materials recovery facility.

Bank of Bins is an opt-in application only service available for residents who would prefer the benefits of dropping their domestic waste and recycling at a designated area instead of driving it to a waste facility.

Landfill and Transfer Stations charge on a user pays principle. Charges are based on handling, processing, transport, disposal, and aftercare costs of these waste streams.

8. Why wasn't my bin collected?

The collection routes are scheduled on days, not times as the collection vehicles may drive past your property very early in the morning. Your bins need to be presented kerbside/roadside the night before collection.
Make sure bins are placed on the kerb with Council logo facing the road and wheels/handle towards the house. Keep bins 1 metre apart from each other and away from objects such as letterboxes, trees and parked cars.
Heavily compacted waste can sometimes get stuck in your bin, ensure your waste and recycling will easily dislodge from your bin.

9. When are my bins collected?

A hard copy of the Resource and Waste calendar can be picked up from all council offices and waste facilities or you can visit our website and download a copy. Calendars can also be mailed out upon request.
* Waste is collected weekly.
* Recycling is collected fortnightly.
* Food and Garden Organics is collected fortnightly (Cooma residents only)

Download Collections Calendars here

10. Should I take my bins with me when I sell my house or move?

No. All council issued bins remain the property of Council and are registered to a specific address and must remain at the property. Please do not relocate your bin.

11. There are no bins at my property. How can I get bins or receive a collection service?

If you are renting, contact your real estate agent who will arrange bins for you.
If you own the property, please call Council’s Resource and Waste Department on 1300 345 345 or email council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au to check your property status and organise a service.
In the case of a new build, you will need to provide an Occupancy Certificate for your property. This certificate is required by Council before the commencement of a new collection service.

12. My bins are missing

To reduce the risk of your bins going missing, please ensure you present them on the kerb no earlier than the night before your collection day, and bring them in the same day after they have been emptied.
If your bin/s are missing, please contact the Resource and Waste Department on 1300 345 345 for assistance.
Bins that are not found or have been damaged, will be required to be replaced at the cost to the property owner.

13. My collection day falls on a public holiday. Will my bin be collected?

Yes. There are no changes to bin collections on public holidays, except for Christmas day. If there are any changes to the collection days in your area alternative collections days will be advised at the earliest opportunity.

14. How do I dispose of paint, batteries, fluorescent globes, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, cooking and other oils?

You can drop off your unwanted paint or other household problem waste items FREE of charge at Council's Community Recycling Centres at either the Cooma or Jindabyne landfills.

Keep your eye out for Council’s Mobile Community Recycling Centre, which will be rotating between regional transfer stations. Please do not dispose of these items in your kerbside waste, recycling or organic bins.

For more information contact 1300 345 345 or visit Community Recycling Centres

15. How do I dispose of my Green Waste?

Cooma Residents have a food and garden organics (FOGO) kerbside collection - which is collected fortnightly.
All other areas can dispose of small amounts in your red lidded waste bin with your general household rubbish, larger amounts can drop off at your nearest waste facility.
Fees and charges for green waste disposal will be applied in accordance with Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges.
Download Landfill Fees and Charges

16. How can I report illegal dumping?

If you spot illegal dumping in NSW such as; used household items, old tyres, green waste or construction waste e.g. bricks and timber, you can report it online to NSW Report Illegal Dumping (RID) online service or contact Council on 1300 345 345.
If there is an immediate environmental emergency such as toxic fumes or a large chemical spill, call 000 immediately. Online Reporting:
https://ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au/#/home

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Youth

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1. I need to speak to someone urgently about an issue in my life. Who do I call?

If you need to speak to someone urgently, please call Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or emergency services on 000.

2. How do I get involved in School Holiday Programs?

The easiest way is to just show up to an activity. School holiday programs are aimed at young people aged 12 - 17 and you're welcome to come along on your own or bring a friend. Activities at The Hub Youth Centre in Cooma are almost always free, and lunch is provided. Keep an eye out for the School Holiday Program flyer, it will let you know what's on each day.

3. I have an idea for an activity for young people. How can I get help to make it happen?

Get in contact with one of the Youth Development Officers. We have YDOs based at our Jindabyne office and at The Hub in Cooma. Their contact details can be found on the Youth Services pages.

4. Where are the Youth Centres in the region?

The Hub Youth Centre is located at 39 - 41 Vale St Cooma. It's open 9am - 5pm Tuesday to Friday and drop-ins are very welcome. For details on youth activities around the Bombala and Jindabyne areas, please contact one of the Youth Development Officers or your local Council branch.