Renewed focus on illegal dumping
Published on 27 June 2018
A new initiative aimed at protecting the MidCoast region’s natural beauty will soon be undertaken by MidCoast Council rangers, focusing on stamping out illegal dumping.
No-one likes to see waste along our roadsides, in bushland or in our waterways. Not only is it unattractive, it can be harmful to the environment. Now, in an all-community approach, the team at MidCoast Council is calling on local residents to report illegal dumping, as well as implementing a region-wide surveillance operation.
“Illegal dumping is a major problem in our region, which impacts us all”, explained Tammy Callaghan, MidCoast Council’s Waste Officer. “It pollutes our environment, lowers visual amenity and community pride, and ultimately reduces property values”.
The campaign targeting illegal dumping includes the installation of covert surveillance cameras in areas prone to dumping, which will aid in the identification of offenders. Hefty on-the-spot fines starting at $2,000 will be issued, a penalty that Council staff believe will assist in encouraging potential dumpers to think again.
Illegal dumping involves disposing of waste items, larger than litter, onto land or into water. It varies from small bags of rubbish in an urban environment to larger scale dumping of waste materials in isolated areas such as bushland. Household and demolition waste are the most common type of illegally dumped waste in the MidCoast region - both of which can be disposed of easily and responsibly through local waste management facilities.
“The campaign we’re mounting against illegal dumping includes undertaking community research to understand what people currently think constitutes illegal dumping, and an educational component using television advertising”, Tammy added.
The MidCoast Council team will also visit key shopping locations in Taree, Forster and Gloucester during July to promote the initiative.
“We’re calling for a collaborative effort to help us reduce, and ultimately eradicate, illegal dumping across the MidCoast region”, Tammy said.
Local residents can participate by completing a short online survey at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/illegaldumping, and by reporting illegal dumping at www.ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au or by calling 131 555.
Find more information, take the survey, and view the current TV commercials at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/illegaldumping
Re-imagine Waste is part of MidCoast Council’s commitment to a cleaner tomorrow.