BY OLIVIA GOELDNER
A recent decision by Lake Macquarie council to scrap their long-standing contract with waste management service Remondis has left residents to fend for themselves.
Nearly 200 households have been given four months to find alternative sewer pumping options.
With private suppliers quoting up to $12,000 per household, many families have had to make the decision between mortgage payments and waste disposal.
Lake Macquarie councilor Jason Pauling says they agree the situation has put severe strain on residents.
"It's been quite horrendous. Council's communication has created confusion."
He says they are working toward a solution.
"We are a council that likes to engage with residents, hear their views and do what we can to assist.
I think we are heading back on track with this matter, I don't think it's over and I don't think we'll satisfy everyone just yet, but we have a few months to get it right."
