Let's talk rubbish

• Dumping of waste and unwanted items outside a designated Council facility costs ratepayers money
• It makes the region look untidy and neglected
• Illegal dumping not only results in unsightly surroundings but also causes fires, damage to infrastructure

A recent increase in illegal dumping throughout the region, with the latest case being in the vicinity of Gore Roadhouse, has cost rate payers thousands of dollars; as a result, Council has adopted a more proactive approach towards enforcing fines on those responsible.

Illegal dumping of waste products and unwanted items outside of a designated facility is a serious problem that can have a significant impact on the environment and impose hefty waste management and clean up expenses on Goondiwindi Regional Council, which are ultimately passed onto ratepayers.

Every year, thousands of dollars of ratepayers' money is spent on cleaning up illegally dumped waste and even more money is spent on fixing infrastructure and natural areas impacted by dumping through damage or fire.

In an effort to combat the problem of illegal dumping in the region, Council installed cameras in potential hotspots. These cameras are equipped with advanced technology to detect any suspicious activity and capture evidence to identify those illegally dumping.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi Regional Council the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said    Council hopes that the presence of these cameras will act as a deterrent to those who engage in illegal dumping.

“Offenders often go to extraordinary lengths to illegally dispose of waste,” Cr Springborg said, “I would suggest that legal disposal may be cheaper, cost far less in fuel, time and effort and many of the items dumped such as garden waste, white goods and computers can be easily recycled.”

“This type of behaviour can lower property values and make our region and natural surroundings appear untidy and neglected,” he said.

Earlier this year, the Queensland Government awarded a grant to Council to assist with combating illegal dumping and reduce the expenses associated with it, providing some relief to ratepayers.

The grant allowed relevant staff members to explore best practices for compliance, prevention, enforcement and to identify what would work best for our region.

Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Mackenzie who holds the portfolio for Waste, Regulatory Services and Planning said illegal dumping of old household items and other objects could make a breeding ground for rats, mosquitos and other vermin, resulting in costly repairs and maintenance, which is all, passed onto the ratepayers.

“When waste is illegally dumped, it needs to be cleaned up and properly disposed of. This can be an expensive process, especially if the waste is hazardous.” Cr Mackenzie said, “Council removes and disposes of significant amounts of illegally dumped waste each year at ratepayers expense.”

Council is committed to keeping the region clean and protecting the natural environment for future generations and encourages residents to report illegal dumping to the state reporting tool - Report it | Environment, land and water | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)