Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News
Illegal Dumping can Spark Bushfires
Illegal dumping of rubbish in plantations increases the risk of bushfires.
The illegal dumping of rubbish in plantations around Latrobe City is increasing the risk of bushfires.
Car bodies left in plantations are commonly set alight by vandals. Such fires can spread through the trees and eventually to homes and businesses.
HVP Plantations removes waste that has been dumped illegally, at significant cost to them.
"Any car that is dumped in plantations runs a high risk of being set alight. In a lot of cases they are set alight upon dumping. This is a huge risk to both forestry land and surrounding property, particularly in warmer weather," Latrobe City Council Chief Executive Officer Steven Piasente said.
"We currently have more than 30 cars that have been dumped throughout the plantations."
Cars are not the only rubbish dumped in local plantations. Household waste, needles, mattresses, tyres, car parts, animals and animal remains, green waste, bricks, concrete, building materials, steel, cardboard, cabling, appliances, linen, clothing, books, food, furniture and cutlery have been dumped. Many of the items could have been recycled for free.
"Almost anything that can be purchased can potentially end up dumped. Council staff have even come across a wedding dress," Mr Piasente said.
Most rubbish is dumped in accessible parts of plantations and on the fringes, but Council’s local laws officers have found rubbish on steep hills and places not accessible by four-wheel-drive.
Dumping hotspots are often close to towns, and include Maryvale and Moe South, whereas minimal dumping occurs in more remote plantations. The fine for dumping waste illegally is $330, however more significant offences can result in court hearings and fines of up to $4000 – far more than the cost of disposing of the rubbish legally or even arranging a hard rubbish collection via Council.
Council’s twice-yearly booked hard waste collection will start on Monday 7 December. Bookings have now closed. All appropriate social distancing measures will be followed to slow the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Residents can place up to two cubic metres of household hard waste from their property on their naturestrip for collection, but only after 5 December.
Acceptable items include couches, mattresses, tables, chairs, exercise equipment, bedside tables, tall boys, rugs, mats, cork tiles, TV cabinets, coffee tables (glass removed), dining tables, outdoor furniture, computer desks, curtains, blinds and fittings, luggage, toys, floating floors, vinyl, carpets and underlay (maximum 30 cm diameter x 1.5 m long), cane furniture and lamps.
A full list of non-acceptable items is available at www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/waste
The next hard rubbish collection will be in May.
Latrobe City Transfer Stations remain open as per normal hours during this COVID-19 outbreak for those without coupons or who have more than two cubic metres of acceptable items. Operating hours can also be found at www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/waste
Rubbish dumped illegally in a pine plantation near Maryvale.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: support@gippsland.com
Community feedback wanted on Wellington Shire Council draft 2024/25 budget by 6 May 2024
East Gippsland Shire Council starts remediation of Bastion Point groyne rock wall to address its deterioration
Photo contest winners from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority showcase regional waterway beauty
Wellington Renewable Energy Impact Study prioritises community input in renewable energy decisions and transition
East Gippsland Shire Council makes the expanded mobile library service permanent following successful trial
Search for new East Gippsland Water Managing Director as as Steve McKenzie East not to do another term after navigating bushfires and pandemic
Community feedback wanted on Latrobe City Council draft 2024/2025 Budget by 6 May 2024
Latrobe City kindergarten enrolments for 2025 will open on 1 May 2024 with open day on 7 May 2024
Tim Bull urges increased roads and health funding from horror Budget from wasteful Allen Labor government