A litter prevention officer could soon be on the Brimbank payroll as the council gets tough on rubbish.
The council has proposed the new full-time role as part of its draft 2014-15 budget. It plans to appoint someone after the budget is adopted on July 8.
The officer will prosecute residents and businesses caught illegally dumping rubbish and work to reduce littering across the city.
Council development director Stuart Menzies said the litter officer would boost existing efforts to tackle illegal dumping, which include a household drop-off service and a rapid response team for dumped rubbish.
“Council has been actively addressing the problems posed by illegal rubbish dumping and is constantly seeking ways to improve detection and enforcement to keep Brimbank clean and safe,” Mr Menzies said.
“The litter prevention officer will add to this effort, and provide a dedicated resource for undertaking investigations and prosecutions in relation to dumped rubbish.
“The role will also focus on preventative measures to reduce incidents.’’
Mr Menzies said illegally dumped rubbish cost the community hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in clean up and removal costs.
The council would not confirm how much the litter officer will be paid.
The council received 167 complaints about litter and 3069 complaints about dumped rubbish in 2013. A total of 89 penalty notices for illegal dumping have been issued over the past three financial years.
State Environment Minister Ryan Smith recently announced that Brimbank would share in $500,000 to combat illegal dumping.
The money will be used for a trial project that will focus on dumping hot spots in St Albans and Albion, including public awareness and enforcement measures.
To report illegal dumping in Brimbank, phone 9249 4000 or use the MyBrimbank smartphone app.
