Tara Murray
Brimbank council spent about $1 million investigating, enforcing and cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish last year.
As lockdowns continue, the council has reported a rise in the number of reports it has received about dumped rubbish.
Among those complaints was some about rubbish dumping along the Maribyrnong River near Overnewton Road, Keilor, last weekend, which has left residents frustrated.
Resident Neil Hunichen said it was upsetting to see people dumping rubbish in the area.
Brimbank council city development director Kelvin Walsh confirmed the council was investigating the dumping of rubbish near Overnewton Road.
“Council’s litter enforcement officers are investigating the incident and will either prosecute or issue appropriate fines to any offenders found to be illegally dumping rubbish in the area,” he said.
“We will not tolerate illegal dumping, nor hesitate to take enforcement action.
“Dumped rubbish is a massive financial cost to clean up on council land, and can have many other consequences for the community and ratepayers.”
Mr Walsh said council receives about 9000 reports of illegally dumped rubbish and littering each year.
In 2021, the council has issued 171 litter-related fines ranging from $311 to $1844 each.
“We don’t want our city spoiled by illegally dumped rubbish and impose costs on residents and ratepayers to clean up afterwards,” he said.
Illegal rubbish dumping can be reported at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/report-it or by calling 9249 4000.
