Waimate introduces littering fine

Litterbugs could be hit with fines up to $300 in an effort to keep the Waimate district clean and green.

The Waimate District Council accepted the infringement fee proposal, which will now got out to public notification May 15-28, at a meeting on Tuesday.

Council regulatory and compliance manager Paul Cooper, in a report to council, said a litter officer will investigate incidents of littering and write infringement fees when appropriate.

This would be applied in conjunction with a discretionary power which would allow the officer to utilise other compliance options including requesting an identified offender remove the rubbish and dispose of it correctly and/or formal warnings.

‘‘The objective of the litter infringement notice is to assist in keeping Waimate’s population and environment healthy by minimising the negative effects of littering and illegal dumping,’’ the report stated.

‘‘Once established the infringement fee of $300 will act as an effective deterrent against the illegal dumping of rubbish, and reinforce and promote the Waimate District Council’s stance on protecting our environment and the public.’’

‘‘Our preference is we don’t issue fines, ideally people pick it up and get a warning letter and don’t do it again.’’ Paul Cooper

Council regulatory and compliance manager

While it could be difficult to trace the person responsible for illegal rubbish dumping, sometimes the council could identify the person through the rubbish itself or if the person had been witnessed dumping rubbish, the report stated.

Cooper said fine proceeds would go directly to the council.

‘‘It is anticipated 3-5 infringements will be written each year.

‘‘Our preference is we don’t issue fines, ideally people pick it up and get a warning letter and don’t do it again.’’

Councillor Tom O’Connor said he was pleased to see the introduction of fines.

‘‘Fly dumping has been a problem for communities along State Highway 1,’’ he said.

The recommendation was moved by Cr Fabia Fox and seconded by Cr Sheila Paul.