Matt Hewson
Geelong council’s campaign targeting illegal rubbish dumping outside a North Geelong op shop is getting results.
For the better part of a decade, the Salvation Army store on Thompson Road in Bell Park has been a popular site for illegal dumping around its often full charity donation bins.
Despite clear and obvious signage asking people not to dump their unwanted goods around the bins or outside the closed gates after hours, unrepented dumpers have persisted.
CCTV cameras were installed in 2023, but the long hours required from council staff to manually review footage made the strategy inefficient.
In an effort to tackle the issue, the City of Greater Geelong partnered with InnerVision Engineering Services to implement a semi-autonomous artificial intelligence system to monitor CCTV footage, detect unlawful dumping and alert City officers.
Since January, the new system has led to 26 infringement notices worth $20,000.
Mayor Trent Sullivan said the situation was an example of the City using digital and data-driven solutions ensure the Geelong region was clean and safe for everyone.
“Illegal dumping of rubbish outside charity shops is an ongoing issue for the City and charities, costing thousands to clean up and dispose of, and draining resources that could be better spent on community programs and services,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“By utilising a more effective technology for this North Geelong charity shop, we are promoting a cleaner and healthier urban environment, ensuring our resources are used more effectively and allowing this store to focus on supporting those in need.”
Environment and Circular Economy chair Councillor Peter Murrihy said dumped rubbish was a growing problem for many councils.
“People who dump rubbish in Greater Geelong are costing ratepayers more than $1 million per year,” Cr Murrihy said.
“If you spot dumping in progress or dumped rubbish, you can report this to the City online or by calling 5272 5272.
“Don’t forget, we offer two free hard waste collections to all homes each year and waste can also be dropped off at our resource recovery centres at Douro Street, North Geelong and Becks Road, Drysdale.”
Fines for littering start at $322 if issued on the spot and extend up to $9,900 when imposed by a court.
