Crackdown on dumping

DON’T DUMP: Councillor Trevor Nardi says council is cracking down on illegal dumping of rubbish. The council says it has adopted a zero tolerance policy on a practice that is blighting the city. Photo: David Nielsen

BE WARNED - if you dump illegally in or around Ipswich, the council has vowed to unload on you.

Ipswich City Council has adopted a zero tolerance policy towards illegal dumping and littering throughout the city.

City works committee chairman Councillor Trevor Nardi said the council was concerned about the impact that these activities were having on Ipswich's roads, reserves and parks.

The penalties for illegal dumping under the Environmental Protection Act range from a $200 fine for littering to $165,000 for illegal dumping causing serious environmental harm.

An offence relating to dangerous littering has been introduced carrying an on-the-spot fine of $400.

"If we catch people, we'll prosecute," Cr Nardi said.

"You can't have people rubbishing their neighbourhood because they're too lazy to go to the transfer station.

"If you see someone go down a dirt road with a load of rubbish, turn around and come back empty, or if you see someone dumping, get their rego and call the council.

"We are looking at areas that would be suitable for surveillance.

"Some see it as a harmless crime but people don't realise the cost of cleaning it up. It costs ratepayers a lot more than if it's taken to the transfer station.

"A lot of people dump tyres and asbestos because it's more expensive to dump.

"I have no sympathy for people who get fined for illegal dumping. I think the fine should be even higher. There are illegal dumping spots five minutes from the tip.

"The dumped material has ranged in size from what could fit in a wheelie bin or a trailer to multiple truck loads that have needed bobcats and large trucks to remove. The items dumped often include nails, broken glass and paint tins."

Cr Nardi said council had handled 74 incidences of illegal dumping since December.

That is expected to increase after the impact of the State waste levy and Federal Government's carbon tax kick in.

"We need to be on the front foot when the carbon tax kicks in," Cr Nardi said.

"We know there will be a $2 million to $3 million impost on council waste from the State Government levy and the carbon tax and that will have to be passed on. The ratepayer will have to foot the bill and why should some people pay while others don't.

"A considerable amount of time is being spent removing dumped items from parks, reserves and the roadside. This takes away council resources and manpower from other important projects and community services.

Anyone with information on illegal dumping activities should call the council on 3810 6666.