When Brimbank resident Emma Mendelsohn recently visited the Maribyrnong River Trail she was shocked by the amount of illegally dumped rubbish and industrial waste polluting the area.
“This is acres and acres of what could be the most beautiful river trail. It’s like walking in a tip. It’s intimidating,” she said.
At River Valley Boulevard in Sunshine North, forgotten cars are left to rust, tyres and litter are strewn across grasses and, more recently, a small rundown truck has been abandoned, standing idle among trees.
It’s an issue that’s been ongoing since 2014, Ms Mendelsohn said.
Ms Mendelsohn is urging the company that owns the land, YourLand Developments, as well as government authorities to act urgently.
She wants to see the waste cleared and stronger security measures enforced to prevent further illegal waste dumping.
“We’re running a key habitat for all the native wildlife in this corridor. It goes to political neglect that this is not being made a priority. Nobody’s doing anything,” Ms Mendelsohn said.
“It’s not something a community group can do. It takes a more bureaucratic response with rules and enforcement.”
In a statement to Star Weekly, Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said there are sections of the Maribyrnong River corridor that are the responsibility of the private landowner.
“Council is committed to working with businesses, residents, and government authorities to remove rubbish and hold rubbish dumpers accountable for their actions,” Cr Dang said.
“We understand this can take time, and that the amount of rubbish being dumped is of great concern to everyone involved.
“Illegal rubbish dumping is a growing problem in our city, as it is in other local government areas in the west. Council has recently announced a comprehensive action plan to crack down on illegal rubbish dumping that includes increased surveillance, stricter enforcement, and community education programs.”
An Environment Protection Authority (EPA) spokesperson told Star Weekly officers had attended the site and said it required a clean-up.
The EPA also said that when the perpetrator of waste dumping can’t be identified, the responsibility falls to the land manager to clean it up.
YourLand Developments was contacted for comment but did not receive a response.
Ms Mendelsohn is worried the issue will remain ignored.
“It needs highlighting. It needs pushing. It needs accountability,” she said.
