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Bush rubbish dumpers targeted with $4000 fines Latrobe City’s Local Laws officers, the Environment Protection Authority and plantations representatives are targeting bush rubbish dumpers in a bid to reduce the amount of rubbish illegally dumped in Latrobe City’s environment. By Latrobe City Council - 5th December 2003 - Back to News The campaign follows the costly clean-up by Council of an area of bushland in Yallourn North where some fifteen truck loads of illegally dumped rubbish was removed last week.
Latrobe City Mayor and Chair of the Litter Prevention Taskforce, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss, said illegal rubbish dumping in bushland areas was of increasing concern and no leniency would be shown to anyone dumping rubbish of any kind, whether it be garbage, household waste, garden refuse or abandoned vehicles.
"Illegal dumping is disposing of waste in an area that is not a designated waste disposal facility. It is both unsightly and unhealthy for the environment. Illegal dumping generally occurs in low density areas where offenders believe they can dump waste with little chance of being caught, such as bushland reserves and parks," Cr Middlemiss said.
"Unfortunately the impacts of illegal dumping are not confined to the high cost of removing rubbish from these dumping sites. Contamination of our precious groundwater and water catchment through the dumping of hazardous wastes such as chemicals, and the spread of weeds from dumped green waste are just some of the environmental impacts that occur due to this irresponsible behaviour," Cr Middlemiss said.
Latrobe City’s Manager Local Laws, Peter Fraser, said that known ‘hot-spot’ illegal dumping grounds would be monitored, and the public asked to report any suspicious behaviour.
"Rubbish dumpers are not merely litterers. They defile public and other peoples’ private land, often going to extreme measures to avoid detection, knowing what they do is illegal and wrong, yet taking a chance on not getting caught. People who dump rubbish in bushland or in our parks or on roadsides are deliberately despoiling our environment and will face fines through the court system of up to $4000, plus costs," Mr Fraser warned.
Latrobe City’s Manager Waste Services, Mike McCaughan, said the most commonly dumped materials included abandoned cars, domestic and garden waste, white goods and furniture, tyres, and construction and demolition waste.
"Most rubbish dumpers are habitual. We would certainly welcome public cooperation in identifying them. Residents who live near bushland or parks prone to habitual dumping should note and report the registration numbers of vehicles acting suspiciously," Mr McCaughan said.
"Walkers, cyclists and horseriders who use bushland should also keep an eye out for anyone dumping rubbish. They can telephone Local Laws at Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700, or call the EPA’s Litter Report line on 1800 35 25 55 (available 24 hours) and a report form will be mailed to them to fill out," Mr McCaughan added.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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