New CCTV Cameras Combat Illegal Dumping

Published on 27 July 2018

Baw Baw Shire Council has teamed up with Sustainability Victoria to install CCTV cameras at six green space illegal dumping hotspots helping to combat the crime.

The six illegal dumping hotspots now under CCTV surveillance include:

Baw Baw Shire Councillor Keith Cook said the new CCTV project will 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”, said Cr Cook.

“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.

“Council is serious about tackling the issue and will 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", said Cr Cook.

Sustainability Victoria CEO 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”, said Mr Krpan.

Illegal rubbish dumping is considered a criminal act and serious penalties apply in Victoria. Offenders can be fined up to $9,670 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.

For more information, please go to www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/IllegalDumping

Image: Baw Baw Shire Councillors Keith Cook and Jess O'Donnell stand before newly installed CCTV camera and sign.

This is a timely reminder that each household is eligible for a free annual kerbside hard waste collection. In addition, many items are accepted free of charge at Council operated transfer stations.

To make a hard rubbish booking, please go to www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/HardWaste