HIGHER rubbish fees are on the way for Vincent residents, and neighbouring Stirling council is to blame says mayor Alannah MacTiernan.

Stirling is pulling out of the Mindarie Regional Council, which handles household waste for seven councils.

When Stirling leaves the remaining councils will have to make up the shortfall.

“It is completely unacceptable that a council like Stirling would be allowed to bail out and then our ratepayers have to pick up the increased cost,” Ms MacTiernan told Tuesday’s council meeting.

“The tipping fees that we are going to be levied are getting to a level that I think is unsustainable.”

She says if Stirling leaves the MRC, Vincent will have to look at leaving too.

She’s joining a rearguard action to convince Stirling to stay in the MRC.

Stirling mayor David Boothman says his council stands to save $3 million by getting out.

Its waste is already treated before going to the MRC and needs less processing, so he argues Stirling should get an MRC discount compared to the other councils.

He says the whole shift is on hold until the premier’s merger plans are sorted out.

by DAVID BELL