The petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House that commercial waste management and recycling services (from non-domestic addresses) are being performed by the Sunshine Coast Council. Fees for those services are set by Council and included in rates and charges paid by businesses in the area.  Businesses must pay Council and have no choice of service provider. We would like competition in waste management to reap the associated benefits, such as lower prices, more customised and flexible services, and more waste management and recycling options.  We believe that fair, open and competitive markets provide the best outcomes for business and consumers. Few other Council's exclude competition in relation to waste management and recycling services in Queensland and we also would like to negotiate with and choose our service provider at our own cost.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to amend the Local Government Act and its subordinate legislation to stop this action by Council and allow competition in the market.