Brimbank council spends about $1million a year cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish, including asbestos, a government report has revealed.
The Department of Health and Human Services report, which followed an Environment Protection Authority investigation into asbestos found in homes near the former Wunderlich asbestos factory site in Sunshine North, revealed parks are often hotspots for asbestos dumping.
“The other issue identified in the EPA investigation was a small amount of illegally dumped asbestos sheeting in the rail corridor,” the report found.
“The annual cost to council to clean up and manage illegally dumped rubbish is around $1 million.
“Popular locations for illegal dumping include easily accessible but isolated areas, such as industrial estates, laneway, vacant lots, rail reserves and parks.
“Council operates a rapid-response unit for dumped rubbish if it affects road access, is in a public area or contains hazardous material. Dumped asbestos remains a significant and costly challenge to council but is also being rapidly addressed and monitored.”
The council puts the clean-up figure at about $550,00 each year. It does admit, however, that asbestos has been found in Brimbank parks. Chairman of administrators John Watson urged witnesses to report illegal dumping.
