Council’s Illegal Dumping Crackdown Shows Positive Results

Gympie Regional Council supported by Department of Environment, Science and Innovation partnered with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and initiated an illegal dumping crackdown in the Gympie region. Council received funding from the Queensland Government to investigate and enforce cases of illegal dumping in June 2023. After seven months, several positive outcomes have been achieved for the local environment and the community. 

To date, the program has led to the successful cleanup of 23 sites, totalling 125,800 litres of rubbish removed across the region, with all cleanups undertaken by the identified offenders. This approach has resulted in a significant cost saving of an estimated $60,000 for the community as the responsibility for cleanup efforts no longer sits with the council as it had historically.

Identified hotspots for illegal dumping include state forests, truck stops, and bin clusters throughout the region. Gympie Regional Council’s Compliance team has issued 14 warnings and 15 penalty infringement notices, totalling $26,674 in fines.  

A positive trend has been observed since the program commenced, with a reduction in reported dump sites from an average of 20-30 per month to just 10 during the month of January. 

Daniel Rogers, Manager Compliance for Gympie Regional Council, emphasised the success of the campaign. 

"Our partnership with Department of Environment, Science and Innovation’s Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and assistance from HQ Plantations has been crucial in identifying and addressing illegal dumping hotspots. Through 24/7 proactive mobile patrols, deployment of surveillance technology and increased signage we are making strides in cracking down on offenders," he said.

Gary Hearle, QPWS Ranger in Charge – Gympie, reflects on the benefits since partnering with council and the impact of illegal dumping to our local environment.

“The partnership between Gympie Regional Council and Queensland Parks and Wildlife has been very beneficial with good results being achieved.           
Illegal dumping impacts on conservation values and exposes visitors and staff to a range of hazards including chemicals and needles. Weed infestations commonly occur from dumped garden refuse and impact on the visual amenity of the parks.   

QPWS Rangers spend a considerable amount of time removing illegal dumping which is better used to focus on other aspects of park management,” he said.

Penalties for illegal dumping include on-the-spot fines for individuals of up to $3,096, with corporations facing fines of up to $11,610.  

Residents are strongly encouraged to report instances of illegal dumping incidents to Gympie Regional Council by calling 1300 307 800 or the State Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372.