Nowhere to hide for illegal dumpers

Wyong Shire Council is working to prevent the Shire’s pristine bushland from becoming a dumping ground.

Information gathered during the September blitz on illegal dumping activity will enable Council to monitor and analyse sites to assist with the prosecution of illegal dumpers.

The blitz, which involved inspectors on a fleet of 4WD and quad bikes, was the latest initiative in a region-wide campaign against illegal dumping facilitated by Hunter Councils.

The search turned up a strange array of waste including four dumped car bodies, kilometres of entangled plastic cord stripped of its copper insides, asbestos, a plastic pool, carpet, mattresses and lounges.

Council’s GIS system has now mapped the location of the 40 newly identified dump sites in bushland surrounding Gwandalan, Doyalson North, Warnervale, Watanobbi and Ourimbah.

Details of the type and quantity of rubbish dumped are also recorded to help identify which groups of people, such as builders, householders, businesses or the likely culprits.

By identifying specific sites, Council can also alert local community members to be aware of the problem and encourage them to Dob in a dumper.

“The practice of dumping waste in our bushland is of great concern because of the environmental hazards and unnecessary cost it imposes on the broader community,” Mayor of Wyong, Cr Bob Graham said.

“No-one should think that it is acceptable or that they are safe from detection or prosecution especially when there are so many convenient and affordable options for disposal on offer.”

“Council provides each household with six roadside collections a year and asbestos is now accepted at the same price as general waste at the Buttonderry Waste Management Facility,” the Mayor advised.

On-the-spot fines for illegal dumping range from $750 to $1,500 for individuals and $1,500 to $5,000 for corporations. Fines can be substantially more if court action is taken.

Anyone who notices illegal dumping activity or finds a dump site is urged to notify Council.

Media Contact: Susan Rigby – 0434 323 782

Page last updated: 19/10/09