No-one likes to see waste along roadsides, in bushland or waterways.
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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 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,” waste officer, Tammy Callaghan said.
“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 $2000 will be issued, a penalty council staff believe will assist in encouraging potential dumpers to think again.
Illegal dumping involves disposing of waste items 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 types of illegally dumped waste in the Mid Coast 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,” Ms Callaghan said.
The MidCoast Council team also will 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 Mid Coast region.”
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
