The state government’s multi-million dollar funding to crackdown on illegal dumping has been well received by Wyndham council.
Last week, the state government announced $21.5 million to bolster the Illegal Dumping Taskforce and deliver more money to councils and public land managers to clean-up illegally dumped waste.
Those funds will be divided into $8.5 million to help with the clean-up costs for illegally dumped and toxic waste in public spaces, as well as $13 million will help the Illegal Dumping Taskforce ramp up surveillance, enforcement and clean-up efforts across Victoria.
The taskforce will be led by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA), who will work with the conservation regulator and undertake enforcement activities using expanded intelligence and monitoring to detect and respond to waste crimes in key locations.
It is understood that this funding will cover up to 50 per cent of the clean-up costs in situations where all avenues to trace the perpetrator and recover costs have been exhausted or are not feasible.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said the move was welcome and council was keen to collaborate.
“Illegal litter dumping is a significant and growing problem for all councils, particularly in growth areas and has cost Wyndham City ratepayers $6.1 million over the last five years,” Cr Shaw said.
“Wyndham city takes a zero-tolerance approach to illegal rubbish dumping.
“At Wyndham, residents are provided with a tip token each year, as well as three hard rubbish collections.
“We encourage everyone to help keep Wyndham clean by reporting incidents of dumping.
“We also encourage residents to take note of anyone dumping rubbish and record details including description of items dumped to assist council in undertaking enforcement action.
“Residents can contact council to notify any sightings of dumped rubbish by calling 1300 023 411.”
Werribee MP John Lister said dumping has been a regular resident concern brought to him.
“Illegal dumping around our new estates and rural parts of the Werribee electorate is disgusting and we will continue to crack down on it,” Mr Lister said.
“Many in our community have approached me about this issue, and I encourage them to continue to report dumping to the EPA and Wyndham City Council.”
