Council cracks down on illegal dumping on Redlands Coast

Redland City Council is reinforcing its commitment to stop illegal dumping on Redlands Coast through the appointment of an officer dedicated to enforcing compliance on the issue.

Mayor Karen Williams said the one-year full-time position was made possible through a $172,239 grant under the Queensland Government’s Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program.

“Illegal dumping doesn’t just look bad in our naturally wonderful landscape, it’s also harmful to our environment and costs Council, and therefore ratepayers, a lot to clean up,” Cr Williams said.

“This grant funding will enable Council to do more in-depth investigations into illegal dumping.

“As well as funding the full-time position for 12 months, the grant will allow us to buy a vehicle, surveillance cameras and equipment, which will be set up in identified hotspots.

“With these extra tools and surveillance, Council is confident we can reduce the amount of illegal dumping on Redlands Coast.”

Redland City Council received 220 complaints of littering and illegal dumping in 2022, including bags of rubbish and garden waste, household goods such as mattresses and furniture, building material, abandoned cars and car parts, and hazardous waste such as asbestos and tyres.

“Green waste is one of the biggest issues we have in terms of illegal dumping, with lawn clippings dumped in park reserves and around trees,” Cr Williams said.

“We discourage this as grass clippings placed around trees can heat up and cause collar rot to the base of the tree.

“There is also a large amount of dumping in bushland areas on the islands.

“Illegally dumped waste is commonly found along roadsides, in parklands, car parks, vacant blocks of land and beside charity bins.”

Cr Williams said the new compliance officer would reinforce Council’s focus on encouraging residents to recycle more, both general recycling and green waste.

“The most important message to the community is dispose of your waste at one of our eight recycling and waste centres, or risk a fine for illegal dumping,” she said.

To report illegal dumping, phone Redland City Council on 3829 3999.