Sunshine Coast residents have been warned to dispose of their waste carefully, after a mountain of rubbish was found by a Bli Bli creek bed.
Council reminded locals – and visitors – that illegal dumping was an offence and penalties apply for those who do the wrong thing.
Fines range from $2135 to $133,450.
It comes after illegal dumping officers identified the owner of household waste, which was dumped on Godfreys Road in Bli Bli.
The waste was subsequently removed by the offender, who was fined $2205.
Sunshine Coast Council Service Excellence Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said it was disappointing to see this activity in the region.
“People are dumping household domestic waste in a public place; waste that could easily be disposed of via the weekly household bin collection service,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast community values our environment and we must ensure that it stays beautiful.”
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“Dumping waste, rather than disposing of it in the correct way, is illegal and unsightly and can be harmful to our environment and wildlife.”
“There are many affordable and easy ways to correctly dispose of waste on the Sunshine Coast and the majority of locals and visitors do the right thing. However a small number of people are spoiling our public and natural areas.
“There is no need for illegal dumping as many domestic items, including white-goods and electronic equipment, can be disposed of at council’s resource recovery centres at no charge.”
Council has partnered with the Department of Environment and Science to ramp up efforts to identify illegal dumpers through increased patrols and surveillance.
Council’s illegal dumping officers use a variety of methods to investigate incidents and identify offenders.
Community members can report illegal dumping in the Sunshine Coast area via Sunshine Coast Council – Illegal dumping or email the location and type of waste to mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
For information on waste and recycling options please visit Sunshine Coast Council – Waste and recycling.
