12 November 2024
Illegal dumping across the Southern Downs is a growing problem, with close to 300 incidents reported last year, and Southern Downs Regional Council’s efforts to protect the region’s environment and communities have been bolstered with the Queensland Government extending funding for 12 months through the Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnership Program.
Southern Downs Councillor Sarah Deane welcomes the funding and said that illegal dumping poses serious environmental, health and safety threats because it pollutes the region’s pristine environment.
“Since joining the Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnership Program in August 2023, Council has cleared more than 257,000 litres of illegally dumped waste – that’s the equivalent of 1,285 wheelie bins,” Councillor Deane said.
“Our unsupervised bin compounds continue to receive unsuitable items such as furniture, mattresses and tyres.
“These items must be disposed of at supervised waste facilities as the unsupervised bin compounds are operational for small quantities of household waste only.
“At the end of the day, it is a considerable financial and resource burden for Council to transport and dispose these abandoned items to a waste facility, with ratepayer dollars footing the clean-up bill and staff being diverted from servicing community amenities.
“We all have a responsibility to keep our region clean and beautiful, and I encourage anyone who sees illegal dumping or littering to see it, report it, stop it.”
One of the most concerning incidents occurred recently when 1,060 litres of hazardous chemicals were found dumped in a remote area, posing significant risks to public health and the environment. Council engaged a licensed specialist to manage the clean-up, incurring a substantial cost of more than $10,000 to ensure the safe and proper disposal.
Report illegal dumping to Council by using the MYSDRC App or contacting Customer Service on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372).
When reporting illegal dumping, please include the location and photos of the waste if possible. To help Council effectively investigate, provide the following details:
• Time, date, location and a description of the dumped items
• Vehicle details, including registration number, make/model, colour or any distinguishing features
• Description of the person involved, including their location in the vehicle, clothing and gender
If it’s safe, take photos of the scene but do not approach the individual for your own safety.
Council acknowledges funding from the Queensland Government Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program.
Last edited date 12 Nov 2024