Illegal dumpers leaving rubbish at sites including the North Geelong Salvos have copped a total of 20 infringements in three months in council’s latest crackdown.
Council officers are using CCTV footage and patrolling dumping hot spots in a bid to catch illegal dumpers, who face fines of $300.
“The environmental, social and financial impacts of dumped rubbish on our community are significant,” Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said.
“We are determined to pursue the selfish people who carry out this illegal activity and ensure they face the consequences.”
Council officers have investigated multiple instances of dumped rubbish outside the Salvation Army op shop in North Geelong in recent weeks.
This has led to them issuing two infringements and three cautions.
City Hall has identified hot spots in Geelong’s south, the northern suburbs and on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Council officers are using portable CCTV cameras to monitor hot spots and have installed signage in key locations to educate and warn potential dumpers.
Council is investing a fit-for-purpose vehicle to tackle the “scourge” of illegal rubbish dumping.
The draft 2021-22 budget includes $410,000 to purchase a dumped rubbish collection truck and support a dedicated employee for the task.
“We are providing our crews with equipment and resources to proactively patrol and manage known dumped rubbish sites and limit the number of offences,” council’s waste management chair Cr Belinda Moloney said.
“Offenders should be aware that we are focused on catching those who thoughtlessly pollute our waterways and damage our open spaces.
“Our community expects and deserves to enjoy our streets and public open spaces, shopfronts and nature reserves free from the ugly sight of illegally dumped rubbish.”
Deliberately leaving or burying waste on private or public land is illegal.
This includes leaving items outside opportunity shops when they are closed, which creates a burden on charitable organisations and volunteers.
Council urged residents to access its hard waste collection service allowing households to recycle or dispose of their bulky items, including mattresses, without charge twice each financial year.
Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping or suspicious behaviour can email contactus@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or phone 5272 5272.
