Burdekin Shire Council are continuing to urge residents to take pride in their region and help tackle a rise in illegal dumping across the Shire.
Recent investigations have uncovered household rubbish, white goods, building materials, and green waste dumped on private properties, in bushland, along roadsides, at the Burdekin River entrance, and even directly into the river.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said illegal dumping is costly, harmful to the environment, and will not be tolerated.
“Illegal dumping is environmental vandalism. It damages our landscape, risks public safety, and leaves ratepayers to cover the clean-up costs,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“We have a beautiful region and we need everyone to take pride in keeping it that way. Council has surveillance cameras in operation and we investigate every report. We will find you, and we will fine you.”
Council employs a dedicated Illegal Dumping Officer, funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DETSI), who leads targeted investigations and monitors dumping hotspots.
In September, a man was fined $2,670 for dumping a trailer load of household waste in Beerburrum State Forest after DETSI officers investigated the incident. Maximum fines for illegal dumping can reach $66,760 for individuals and $333,800 for corporations for waste under 2,500 litres – with higher penalties for larger volumes.
“Council provides multiple waste facilities across the region, with many domestic waste items accepted free of charge. There is simply no excuse for illegal dumping – it’s cheaper to drive to the dump than risk a fine,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
Residents are urged to report illegal dumping to Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800 or visit burdekin.qld.gov.au. DETSI also offers an online reporting system for illegal dumping and littering across Queensland.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort with some of the illegally dumped items found within the region earlier this year (Photo Source: Burdekin Shire Council)
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