UPDATED – April 6: Sunshine Coast Council will receive an additional $90,000 from the state government to continue the employment of an illegal dumping compliance officer for a further 12 months.
“Illegal dumping isn’t just an eyesore, it’s harmful to our environment and costs council – and in turn ratepayers – a fair chunk of money to clean up,” Nicklin MP Robert Skelton said.
“Locals have made it clear this kind of activity is unacceptable, which is why I’m proud that our government is helping provide critical funding.”
Since the state government’s Illegal Dumping Partnership Program was launched in 2020, participating councils have received more than 15,000 illegal dumping reports, removed 28 million litres of waste from the environment, and issued 1177 fines to illegal dumping offenders, totalling $1.7 million. Almost $9 million has been spent by the government on the program in that time.
EARLIER – April 4: The Department of Environment and Science is asking for public assistance following the recent discovery of commercial and domestic rubbish in national parks and state forests.
It has prompted a warning that environmental vandals on the Sunshine Coast will be caught and fined if they dump rubbish in protected areas.
Acting principal ranger Nat Smith said rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have more important work to do than clean up after people.
“Queensland’s national parks do not need air conditioning, they are not car parks and they are not rubbish dumps,” Mr Smith said.
“Recently, rangers discovered six air conditioners, a washing machine and other electrical accessories at the Coochin Creek campground and day-use area.
“Rangers also discovered household waste including clothes, rubbish and car tyres on Wappa Dam Road in the Mapleton Conservation Park.
“And we removed an abandoned four-wheel-drive and other rubbish from the Mapleton National Park.
“Rangers have determined who owned the vehicle, but we’re asking anyone with information about the Blackall rubbish or anyone who had air conditioners replaced recently to contact us.
“Most people treat national parks and state forests with respect, but the people who dumped this rubbish have created a fire hazard, a pollution hazard and a mess for rangers to clean up.
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“If QPWS cannot identify the alleged offender, we have to cover the costs of removing the rubbish, and that is less money we can spend on parks infrastructure to enhance the enjoyment of our visitors.”
Mr Smith said the investigation into the unlawfully dumped waste was continuing, and QPWS would issue penalty infringement notices if those responsible can be identified.
“Rangers have zero tolerance to people who illegally dump waste and we make no apologies when we take strong enforcement action, which can include court prosecutions,” he said.
“Illegally dumped waste damages the natural and cultural values of our national parks, state forests and reserves, and there is no excuse for it.
“We have a number of investigative techniques that we use to identify offenders, and if people unlawfully dump rubbish to avoid paying the waste disposal fee, they will be caught.”
Penalties for illegally dumping waste can reach $143,750 for individuals and $718,750 for corporations.
Anyone with information about illegally dumped waste is encouraged to call the department on the Pollution Hotline 1300 130 372.
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