It adds fuel to the outcry that the large sustainability department is itself financially unsustainable, and the size and cost of running it is unwarranted.

But an LMCC spokesperson has assured the Lakes Mail that its plan to shrink the department by attrition is being adhered to.

"On this occasion the advertisement is to find a replacement, but sustainability has reduced staff by 12 per cent in the last 12 months," the spokesperson said.

"Following a vacancy, each position is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether it still meets organisational requirements. This position is required to meet commitments under the sustainability levy."

Council's sustainability department started in 2008-09 with around 20 staff and a budget of $9 million. A year later it had blown out to 41 staff and a budget exceeding $12 million.

Council applied and got permission in 2009 to lumber ratepayers with a special variance to create a $2.1 million levy contribution but today says 82 per cent of the department's $12 million cost is met by sources other than general rate revenue.

The 'other' sources are:

¦ a domestic waste management charge;

¦ the sustainability levy;

¦ waste and sustainability improvement payments; and

¦ some government grants.

Former LMCC mayor John Kilpatrick said the growth of the department was unjustified.

"Everyone's concerned about the environment, but I'm not quite sure it's local government's role to save the world," Mr Kilpatrick said.

Council plans to push its debt from $58 million in 2011-12 to $128 million or $185 million in 2018-19.

"I'd be worried if they get to that level of debt," Mr Kilpatrick said.