Bayside Council estimates it will cost around $7 million and four years to replace an ageing fleet of vehicles left over from the former Botany Bay Council.
That includes trucks, backhoes and sit-on-mowers that have either never or only rarely been replaced, with some over 30 years old.
The United Services Union wrote to Bayside Council this week after concerns about the vehicles, some of which are only being held together by tape.
Union delegates say they are extremely worried that the vehicles will fail police checks and they could be issued with yellow or red vehicle defect notices.
In a letter to council general manager Meredith Wallace, United Services Union Acting General Secretary Stephen Hughes said the problem had been brought up to Botany Bay Council but never addressed.
‘’The fleet that is utilised by by our members is ageing, with some vehicles up to 30 years old and in a poor state,’’ he said.
‘’Our members report they feel that vehicles border on being unsafe and there has been workplace health and safety issues reported such as respiratory problems caused by growth in the ceiling of the vehicles for example.
‘’The fleet has serious limitations on productivity and due to their age many vehicles are unreliable.’’
He also alleged that the previous council deliberately removed air conditioning from the vehicles.
Bayside Council Administrator Greg Wright confirmed it would cost $7 million to replace the fleet.
The funds will come from council’s existing budget.
“The former Botany Bay Council had an operating deficit and no reserves to pay for the replacement of these vehicles and associated assets,’’ he said
“The amalgamation has given the new Bayside Council an opportunity to explore all financial options to replace this aging fleet with new, safe vehicles.’’
