Blue Mountains City Council is taking strong measures to stop the destructive and costly practice of illegal dumping by deploying remote surveillance cameras across the city.
It follows the recent discovery of eight tonnes of illegally dumped waste at Mt Boyce Reserve including a large amount of asbestos.
“Our message is clear. We will not tolerate this practice and we will pull out all stops to prevent it,” said Blue Mountains mayor, Mark Greenhill.
“Remote surveillance will be one of our main strategies, so dumpers be warned, if you do it, we will see you, and you will be caught.”
Remote surveillance will be one of our main strategies, so dumpers be warned, if you do it, we will see you, and you will be caught.
- Mayor Mark Greenhill
Council, with funding from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority, has spent more than $100,000 in the last 18 months controlling access to bushland reserves, installing cameras and signs, and cleaning up dumped waste.
“Illegal dumping in the city costs the ratepayer money, endangers public health and damages our natural environment,” Cr Greenhill said.
“Council provides an excellent range of waste services including resource recovery and recycling facilities, kerbside bulky waste and chipping, and a green bin service starting July next year. There is just no excuse for illegal dumping.”
A recent clean-up and safe disposal operation at Mt Boyce Reserve recovered eight tonnes of illegally dumped domestic and commercial waste at a cost of $8300.
Of particular concern was the discovery and clean-up of a large amount of dumped asbestos.
“It’s just criminal,” said the mayor.
On-the-spot fines of up to $4000 for individuals and $8000 for corporations apply to those caught dumping.
Offences under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act can reach up to $250,000 as well as possible jail time.
Recent amendments to the act have introduced tough new penalties. Vehicles used in repeat illegal dumping offences can now be seized, and if the offender is convicted the vehicle can be forfeited.
The mayor’s message to illegal dumpers is clear: “It’s now only a matter of time before you’re caught and dealt a hefty penalty.”
Clean-up and chipping services can be booked through council online.