City of Greater Geraldton to continue Bowerbird management after successful trial

The Bowerbird Reuse shop will remain under the City of Greater Geraldton’s management after councillors voted to make the initial two-year trial permanent.

Previously run by a non-profit group, the City took over operation in 2021 as part of a two-year trial to determine the viability of bringing the operation “in-house”.

Under the City’s management, the Bowerbird has served more than 21,110 customers and diverted 60,238 items from the Meru Landfill as of October 31. The City has also cut costs in half by running the operation internally.

The external cost of running the Reuse shop and recycling was $156,000 in the 2020-21 financial year, while the net cost to the City was $75,000 in 2021-22.

With the future of the Bowerbird now secured, plans can commence on expanding floor space as well as offering more programs such as on-site repair cafes.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn welcomed the decision.

“It’s inspiring to see how well loved the Bowerbird has become in the short time we have been running it,” he said.

“People can conveniently drop off items on their way to the tip, and these products are then given a second life in homes where they are needed most.

“Not to mention that diverting items from landfill is a massive windfall for the environment,” he added.

“The Bowerbird has become a wonderful addition to City-run facilities and Council are thrilled to see it continue to thrive.”

Items accepted include furniture, household electrical appliances, tools, building materials, crockery and bric-a-brac.

The Bowerbird has switched to summer hours and is open from 7.30am to 1.30pm Wednesday to Monday (the shop is closed on Tuesday).