Council welcomes funding to combat costly illegal dumping
Livingstone Shire Council is one of 21 Queensland Councils set to share in $2.3 million of funding to tackle illegal dumping throughout the Shire.
Council will receive almost $175,000 from the Queensland Government following a successful application under Round 2B of the Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said “Illegal dumping isn’t just an eyesore, it’s harmful to our environment and costs local councils – and in turn ratepayers - a fair chunk of money to clean up.”
Councillor Andrea Friend, portfolio holder of Water, Waste Management and the Environment, said illegal dumping is a serious issue as it costs a significant amount to clean up, is harmful to our environment, and diminishes the use, enjoyment and value of our public places for residents and visitors.
“We all have a right to a clean, safe place to live, work and play and although most of us dispose of our rubbish responsibly, the minority who dump their waste illegally cause environmental, social and financial costs for everyone in the community,” Cr Friend said.
“The funding will enable us to appoint a full-time illegal dumping officer for 12 months, dedicated to responding to and investigating illegal dumping incidents.
“It will also help with the cost of compliance related equipment, such as vehicle costs, additional surveillance cameras, personal body cameras, and informative signs.”
As part of the program, Council’s Ranger team will participate in targeted training, submit a monthly incident report to the Department of Environment and Science, and collaborate with neighbouring Councils; all aimed at addressing the challenges caused by illegal dumping.
Cr Friend thanked the State Government for its partnership approach.
“Council is committed to taking action against illegal dumping and this funding will help us target our Shire’s hotspots,” Cr Friend said.
“There is never an excuse for illegal dumping. We live in such a beautiful place abundant with wildlife and our message is clear – be part of the solution, not the pollution!”
Illegal dumping can be reported to Council via our Online Services portal or by phoning 1300 790 919, or to the State Government online www.qld.gov.au, via email illegaldumping@des.qld.gov.au or by phoning 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
A range of fines apply for illegal dumping, individual offenders face fines of more than $2,000 and more than $10,000 for corporations that are found to be illegally dumping waste.