No end to waste monopoly
ONE man's trash is another's treasure; that's certainly the case with the monopoly of commercial waste disposal.
But Warwick Chamber of Commerce president David Littleproud said together with the Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce, the two bodies have tried to approach other waste removal businesses to try and bring them to the area.
One such company, whose manager wished to remain anonymous, said it was looking at the figures but it didn't have any immediate plans to move into the area.
Mr Littleproud said the chamber would continue to try and draw another company to come, firstly to the Warwick area, with the hope it may also cover Stanthorpe, a move Stanthorpe chamber president Norm Crisp welcomed.
It's been several months since the council stopped subsidising Southern Downs region commercial waste services and some businesses across the region have been complaining of a blow out in costs, with JJ Richards enjoying an effective monopoly.
JJ Richards branch manager for the region Tom Richards said while he understood the concern, the company's prices were a reflection of actual costs.
"We welcome any type of competition as it's an open market and people can make that choice," Mr Richards said.
He added however in smaller areas like Stanthorpe and Warwick three or four competitors would not be viable.
