By Tate Papworth
The Western Ring Road Trail is popular with cyclists, walkers – and rubbish dumpers.
A section of the track between Forrest Street and Ballarat Road in Ardeer is strewn with litter – and local resident Matt Bell says it’s been a problem for a long time.
“I moved into the area in early September, 2018, and was looking forward to walking my dog at the parks along the creek,” Mr Bell said.
“However, I quickly discovered part of the Ring Road track to be covered in rubbish.
“There’s car parts, a TV, a grill, bags, everything down there.”
Mr Bell said he contacted the Brimbank council about the problem.
“I called council a few weeks ago and they sent someone to have a look,” he said. “They identified the area, but told me it was owned by VicRoads.”
Mr Bell said he was told VicRoads had picked up the rubbish, but a walk with his dog proved that to not be the case.
“VicRoads said they picked up the rubbish, so I went down there,” he said.
“I’m not sure anything had been picked up – there was still rubbish everywhere.”
VicRoads director metropolitan assets Fatima Mohamed said the land was not owned by VicRoads.
“The site next to the M80 Ring Road Reserve is not managed by VicRoads,” Ms Mohamed said. “A long-term plan for the ongoing maintenance of this site is required and we’re happy to offer our expert advice to the council and the private land owner.”
Mr Bell said that while the ownership puzzle grew so, too, did the mess.
“If it’s allowed to continue like this it may just turn into a dumping ground,” he said.
