Council’s illegal dumping crackdown

Gympie Regional Council has joined the fight against illegal dumping after receiving delegation from the Queensland Government to investigate and enforce the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 which will result in offenders being fined. Working alongside Queensland Parks and Wildlife, council’s Illegal Dumping Officer will be responsible for investigating illegal dumping cases and enforcing compliance. 

Illegal dumping is a growing issue in the Gympie region with over 46 illegal dumping complaints received by council so far this year, up from last year which recorded 39 complaints over 12 months.

The community is reminded of the consequences of illegal dumping. Council’s Compliance Manager Dan Rogers said this is a timely reminder for residents to dispose of their rubbish and waste in the appropriate ways.

“Our parks, forests and roadsides are not dumping grounds, take your rubbish to the closest waste management facility,” Mr Rogers said.

“The infringement penalty for an individual caught illegally dumping is $2476, with the maximum penalty being $61,920. If you are a business caught illegally dumping, it ranges from $7740 to $309,600. It’s not worth it, just go to the tip.”

Council recently caught a member of the public disposing of three large piles of household waste in the Lynch Hill State Forest at Glastonbury. The case was reported to council by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers and resulted in the quick identification of the offender and clean-up of the mess.

Mayor Glen Hartwig says it’s a win all round.

“Not only do we now have dedicated officers investigating this issue, but our community and environment is better off for it.

“We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area of the world, help us keep it that way. If you see someone illegally dumping, make sure to report to council,’ Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig said.

The community will start to see illegal dumping signage pop up over the region in the coming months.

Report illegal dumping to council on 1300 307 800, by emailing council@gympie.qld.gov.au, Snap Send Solve or the States Pollution hotline – 1300 130 372