Mitchell Shire Council has announced the installation of additional CCTV cameras to help bust illegal dumpers.
Mayor, Fiona Stevens said the cameras have been installed at various known dumping problem sites across the Shire.
“Council takes any illegal dumping seriously and to be honest we are absolutely fed up with it,” she said.
“The lazy, inconsiderate behaviour of some, dramatically impacts the overwhelming majority who do the right thing.”
Each year, the Council receives more than 400 reports of illegal dumping and spends more than $180,000 cleaning up and disposing of the dumped material.
“The cost and time to fix a problem that is preventable are frustrating. The vast majority of what’s dumped would be accepted free of charge at our Resource Recovery Centres,” the Mayor said.
“When we catch the offending dumpers, they will feel the full force of the council and be penalised.
“The new cameras add to the existing network of CCTV cameras we already have across our community. Our eyes are on you from various angles and concealed locations. Therefore the odds are strengthened in our favour, not yours. Don’t do it, you will get caught.”
If caught, offenders are at risk of spot fines or legal action. Illegal dumping can attract a maximum court penalty of $610,700 or seven years imprisonment for an individual and more than $1.2 million for a corporation.
Mayor Stevens said the majority of items that are dumped would be accepted free of charge at Council’s Resource Recovery Centres including electronic waste, car batteries, cardboard, gas bottles, foam, and steel.
Ratepayers also receive five vouchers up to the value of $40 per scan on their rates notice each year that can be used at the Resource Recovery Centre either by the landowner or can be passed on to the tenants.
“Illegal dumpers have zero regard for the community and pose a significant risk to people and our environment. Again, I highlight the irony that the majority of the dumped waste could have been taken to our Resource Recovery Centres for no charge,” she said.
“We understand not everyone has a tow bar or trailer, but there are options to dispose of large items of waste legally such as skips for hire, asking friends for help or local waste collecting contractors. Many will pick up metal and remove white goods free of charge.”
To report illegally dumped waste please use Report It option online at www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au, or phone Council on 5734 6200 or contact the EPA’s 24-hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).
