The Queensland Government is working with Townsville City Council to launch a targeted pilot program to catch illegal dumpers in the act across the local government area.
The pilot, funded by the Government and delivered in partnership with Council, will put local boots on the ground to undertake the operational delivery of the program, including night-time patrols, surveillance operations and increased compliance activity across known illegal dumping hotspots.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell said the message was simple – if you dump illegally, you will be caught.
“Illegal dumping is a blight on our environment and a slap in the face to every Queenslander who does the right thing,” Minister Powell said.
“We’re backing Townsville with real action – putting resources in the hands of council, with boots on the ground and eyes on hotspots to catch offenders in the act.”
Deputy Mayor, Suzy Batkovic said illegal dumping continued to be a problem across the Townsville footprint and was a blight on the community.
“Illegal dumping is everyone’s problem, and it has absolutely no place in our community,” Cr Batkovic said.
“I’d like to acknowledge the State for backing Council’s efforts to crack down on this disgusting behaviour.
“Illegal dumping doesn’t just happen during the day, offenders often hide under the cover of darkness. This funding will allow Council to expand its resources so staff can operate at night to help deter and catch offenders in the act.
“Managing illegal dumping is expensive and without the State’s support ratepayers would be left to foot the entire bill. I’d like to thank our local members of parliament for recognising the impact this has on our community and advocating for this funding on Council’s behalf.”
The pilot program will complement the Government’s new Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program.
