Illegally dumped rubbish is again in the sights of Melton council, with a ‘name and shame’ approach and incentive program being investigated.
Councillor Phillip Zada said he was absolutely sick and tired of talking about of discussing illegal rubbish and was seeking the council find more ways to hold people accountable.
He raised a notice of motion at the April 28 council meeting calling for council officers to investigate the possibility of introducing a name and shame approach to preventing illegal rubbish dumping.
This would include publicising the names of individuals and businesses found guilty of illegally dumping rubbish in accordance with relevant legislation and privacy protections.
Cr Zada also called for officers to investigate the possibility of an incentive program for residents to provide substantiated reports of illegal rubbish dumping, with potential incentives including coffee or meal vouchers or credits applied to rates notices.
Currently Melton council deals with 3,500 tonnes of illegally dumped waste annually at a cost of more than $5 million and diverts resources from other essential council services.
“Illegal rubbish dumping continues to be one of the most visible and frustrating issues across our municipality,” Cr Zada said.
“Despite repeated warnings, educational campaigns, and enforcement efforts, the problem persists – affecting our environment, streetscapes, and sense of community pride.
“These measures aim to foster community vigilance, increase enforcement outcomes, and send a strong message that illegal dumping is not tolerated.”
Councillor Bob Turner said that illegal rubbish dumping is a “big, important problem” in Melton and “has been for many years,” with the issue “just getting worse.”
This is the latest measure the council is seeking to halt the impact of illegal rubbish dumping.
The council at its February meeting agreed to write to Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos calling on the state government to help local councils with the costs.
The council was to request the state government release funding from the sustainability fund that is collected from the waste levy, for increased financial support of local councils to manage illegal rubbish dumping.
A government spokesperson said at the time it knows the impact waste has in its communities, which is why it’s strengthening laws for the Environment Protection Authority to crack down on illegal dumping.
