By Tate Papworth
Illegal rubbish dumping cost the Brimbank council about $700,000 in the past financial year, and it’s had enough.
The council received 4800 reports of dumped rubbish and littering within a 12 month period and has been forced to foot the bill for the clean-up.
Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said it was time to put an end to the problem.
“You could say this is Brimbank’s War on Waste and, just like the mind-blowing television series, we’re set on making changes at a local level,” Cr Giudice said. “We don’t want our city spoiled by illegally dumped rubbish that puts a blemish on the municipality and imposes a cost on residents and ratepayers to clean up afterwards.
“Brimbank residents are proud of their city and the presentation of their neighbourhoods. The council has made great progress over the last few years to improve parks, beautify main streets, provide extensive street planting and ensure ongoing quality urban renewal.
“As a strong and vibrant community, we’re not prepared to have Brimbank spoiled by disgusting dumpers who trash our neighbourhoods.” Cr Giudice said significant penalties would be imposed on those caught dumping rubbish.
“Council has a zero tolerance approach to illegal rubbish dumping.
“The consequences for not acting responsibly are significant and offenders can be served with an infringement or prosecution in the magistrates court.”
She said the council had recently been successful in a number of prosecutions for illegal dumping.
In one case, an individual who dumped about six square metres of rubbish consisting of concrete, rocks, metal and other materials on a road in Brimbank was convicted and fined $7650.
“Yes, we’re having some wins with the implementation of litter deterrent cameras, but we can still do more,” Cr Giudice said.
The council recently launched it’s Stop the Rubbish campaign which will involve community input.
As part of the campaign “Stop the Rubbish’ signs will be posted throughout the municipality. Anyone who witnesses illegal rubbish dumping is encouraged to contact the council at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/stop
