Mackay Council Ramps Up Crackdown On Illegal Dumping

Mackay Regional Council will undertake a major clean-up and install surveillance equipment at Illawong Drive as part of a crackdown on illegal dumping across the region. Photo supplied

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Mackay Regional Council is stepping up its fight against illegal dumping following a concerning increase in reports of waste being abandoned across the region.

A major clean-up and surveillance operation will be carried out at Illawong Drive in the coming weeks, with heavy machinery to be used to remove large volumes of illegally dumped waste.

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The operation comes after Council responded to more than 560 reports of illegal dumping over the past 12 months, resulting in more than 545 kilolitres of waste being removed from the natural environment.

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Mackay Mayor Williamson said the amount of waste being dumped across the region was alarming.

"To put that figure into perspective, 545 kilolitres is the equivalent of about 2270 household wheelie bins worth of waste being dumped across our region," Mayor Williamson said.

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"Illegal dumping damages our environment, impacts the amenity of our communities and places an unnecessary financial burden on ratepayers.”

Individuals caught illegally dumping waste can face on-the-spot fines of up to $3454, while corporations can be fined up to $12,952.

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Council will also install a range of surveillance measures at Illawong Drive and other known dumping hotspots, including night vision cameras, in an effort to identify and deter offenders.

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"If people think they can dump rubbish under the cover of darkness and get away with it, they should think again," Mayor Williamson said.

"We will be installing surveillance equipment, including night vision cameras, and we will continue working with authorities to identify and prosecute offenders wherever possible."

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Residents are also being reminded that Council provides alternatives for those needing to dispose of eligible waste, including waste vouchers which allow households to dispose of certain waste free of charge at Council waste facilities.

Council allocates approximately $750,000 each year towards providing the vouchers.

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Mayor Williamson said residents had no excuse to dump waste illegally.

"Council provides a range of legal disposal options, including waste vouchers, to help residents dispose of waste responsibly," he said.

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"Those who choose to illegally dump rubbish are not only harming the environment, they're shifting the cost of clean-up onto the broader community.

"Every item that is dumped illegally has to be investigated, collected and disposed of, and the cost of that work is ultimately borne by taxpayers and ratepayers rather than the people responsible."

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Residents are encouraged to report suspected illegal dumping or abandoned waste to help Council identify problem areas and pursue offenders.

"Council is committed to investigating illegal dumping, but we need the community's assistance," he said.

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"If you witness illegal dumping or come across dumped waste, please report it through Snap Send Solve or contact council on 1300 MACKAY."

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