Council boosts efforts to combat illegal dumping across the region
Published on 14 September 2026
Goondiwindi Regional Council thanks the Queensland Government for their Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program funding of $290,856. The funding allows Council to proactively tackle illegal dumping across the region with the creation of a dedicated Local Laws Officer (Illegal Dumping Program) position, alongside new trail cameras to monitor illegal dumping hotspots.
The three-year contract position has been established to strengthen Council's ability to detect, investigate and respond to illegal dumping incidents while supporting long-term improvements in waste management and community education.
The successful applicant will lead a range of compliance activities including routine patrols, hotspot inspections, roadside dumping investigations, tyre clean-up coordination and monitoring of unmanned waste transfer stations. The role will also oversee surveillance through fixed camera systems, issue warning notices where appropriate, and undertake enforcement action when evidence supports regulatory intervention.
Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Waste, Regulatory Services and Planning, Cr Rob Mackenzie, said its unfortunate we are focused on this sort of behaviour.
"Illegal dumping places an unnecessary burden on our community and for a community that regularly receives compliments about our tidiness, we want to do all we can to address the issue. Unfortunately, illegal dumping is more than just unsightly, it creates environmental risks, increases clean-up costs and takes valuable Council resources away from other essential services," Cr Mackenzie said.
"This new position gives Council greater capacity to identify offenders, investigate incidents and take appropriate action where required, while also working with the community to prevent illegal dumping before it occurs."
The officer will work closely with Council's waste team to improve reporting, data collection and compliance systems, helping to identify trends and inform future waste management initiatives. Information gathered through the program will also assist Council in improving the management of roadside rest areas and other public facilities to discourage illegal dumping.
Cr Mackenzie said education would remain a key component of the program alongside enforcement.
"The successful officer will also deliver an enhanced community education program in partnership with our waste team, including improved signage at key sites and support for school education initiatives."
The role will also involve collaboration with the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, along with participation in the Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program, allows Council to deliver industry best-practice compliance and investigation methods.
Council is now inviting applications from motivated individuals with strong communication, investigation and regulatory compliance skills who are passionate about protecting the environment and serving the community.
Applications for the Local Laws Officer (Illegal Dumping Program) position are now open https://careers.grc.qld.gov.au.