Cr Aaron Nicholls would like to see at least the reinstatement of coin deposit locks but also suggested consideration be given to GPS tracking, car park barriers and other proven owner-installed measures.
“At any one time, there are up to 20 Woolworths trolleys discarded trolleys on both Sanger and Queen Streets in Corowa,” he said at council’s latest monthly meeting on February 15.
“Trolleys are often pushed up against seats, preventing older or disabled people to take respite. This is particularly the case in front of Miegel’s Pharmacy.
“Trolleys are often pushed into Memorial Arcade and the Youth Space and dumped, or left hanging in gutters, posing a damage risk to vehicles.”
Cr Nicholls said trolleys often stay for days up against fences, kerbs and garden beds, and pose a very real risk to public and vehicular safety, as both the Queen Street and Church Street carparks slope southwards.
Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Linda Scott recently said: ‘’Councils are virtually powerless because they can only fine customers who are caught abandoning trolleys in public places, which is impractical and almost impossible to enforce. The NSW Government is now considering giving councils stronger powers.
Unless something is done to improve the situation, Cr Nicholls fears worse consequences regarding damage by the trolleys.
Cr Nicholls has spoken to Woolworths about the problem. “There is a clear and increasing risk to Public Health and Safety of pedestrians and motorists and moreover, a threat to the safety and sustainability of local waterways once they are moved from said streets towards riverside parks etcetera and then simply dumped,” he said.
“Moreover, it is creating an unattractive streetscape at a time when many more visitors are starting to visit and move to our region.”
Council’s director development and environmental services Susan Appleyard said council staff have spoken to Woolworths. “Like us, Covid has caused staff shortages. They are aware of legislation coming in.”
Cr David Longley urged: “Put it in writing to them.” Cr Gail Law said an important part of the trolley problem is community education for people to do the right thing otherwise perhaps there should be a shame and blame situation by law abiders.
Mayor Pat Bourke believes it should be more of Woolworths fixing the problem as “it’s their business”. “Put it back onto the business,” he said.
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