Putting up a stink: revolt against a Melbourne council's levy starts debate about waste

City of Yarra argues it is a financial necessity but to angry locals a separate charge for rubbish is nothing short of a 'bin tax'Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updatesGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastThey are the three Rs that have long defined the fundamentals of local councils: roads, rates and rubbish. Despite basic service delivery being the bread and butter of local governments, a suburban Melbourne council has attracted the fiery frustration of residents over a decision to separate charges for rubbish collection from its general rates.At a Yarra city council meeting on Tuesday night, residents from an area known for its community activism protested against a new waste levy charge for ratepayers being passed. In the eyes of disgruntled residents, the separate levy - which is also applied by various councils across Victoria and in some other states - is a "bin tax".Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...