Security cameras to deter dumping
Security cameras have been installed at six open spaces identified as illegal dumping hotspots in Baw Baw Shire.
Council has teamed up with Sustainability Victoria in a $20,000 project to install CCTV cameras in six areas that have become illegal dumping hotspots and costs council up to $22,000 a year to clean-up.
The six sites include Edgar Rd, Longwarry; Camp Hill, Drouin; Lardners Track, Drouin; Pryor Rd/Cochranes Rd, Drouin; Walton Rd, Warragul; and, Camerons Rd, Nilma.
Cr Keith Cook said the new CCTV project would help keep Baw Baw beautiful by deterring illegal dumpers and identifying those doing the wrong thing.
“Illegal dumping is irresponsible, wasteful and harmful to our environment; but above all – it’s a crime,” Cr Cook said.
“Not only is it unsightly, dumped rubbish allows rust, rot and toxic chemicals to enter our environment triggering damage to our native plants, wildlife and their habitats as well as polluting our waterways.
“Unfortunately, the issue extends further than our environment. Illegal dumping has major financial impacts on Council resources with inspections and clean-ups costing ratepayers over $22,000 a year. It’s unacceptable and unfair on the majority who do the right thing.
Cr Cook said council was serious about tackling the issue and would not tolerate illegal dumping. With more eyes on these hotspots we are confident we will start to see this issue decreasing and hopefully eradicated over time.”
The $20,000 project has been jointly funded by a $10,000 grant from Sustainability Victoria’s Litter and Illegal Dumping Grants program and a matched contribution from council’s capital works budget.
“Thank you to Sustainability Victoria for the valuable funding contribution and for the support throughout the project planning and implementation process,” Cr Cook said.
Sustainability Victoria chief executive officer Stan Krpan said illegally dumped rubbish often consisted of household goods, construction and demolition waste, asbestos, soil, timber, plastics, cardboard, furniture, electrical goods, metals and organic material.
“It’s a major problem statewide and apart from the environmental impact, cleaning up abandoned waste cost councils and the government more than $100 million a year,” Mr Krpan said.
Illegal rubbish dumping is considered a criminal act and serious penalties apply in Victoria. Offenders can be fined up to $9670 and/or imprisonment of one month, under the Environment Protection Act 1970.
Council officers will continue to monitor CCTV footage, patrol hotspots and work with other agencies where necessary to investigate and enforce illegal dumping.