Grants are available for illegal dumping clean-ups in northern Victoria, with the issue remaining a costly problem in Echuca. Pictured is hard waste at Banyula Forest in late January.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Building waste, trolleys, chairs and, ironically, a wheelie bin have been dumped on crown land in Echuca, an issue local government calls “serious and costly”.
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Following the deployment of temporary skip bins in December, Campaspe Shire Council found its initiative, which was well received, had been abused.
Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the bins were installed at peak holiday periods to manage the influx of waste that comes with visitors.
“However, misuse of the skip bins continues to be a major issue, with council having to remove eight truck tyres, two entire houses' worth of carpet, fridges, couches, televisions and large volumes of general household waste from these sites,” he said.
“This year, the contractor also experienced new issues impacting the servicing of the skips, with access blocked by visitors repeatedly ignoring the ‘No Parking’ signage.”
The bins were available at Echuca East Boat Ramp and Victoria Park, with others stationed at Torrumbarry and Gunbower.
A dumped miniature wheelie bin and supermarket shopping basket.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
While the council is not responsible for managing Banyula Forest, where camping is barred, ditched building materials and household waste can also be found in the popular reserve.
All state forests in Victoria are managed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and its entities, including Parks Victoria and the Environmental Protection Authority.
Cr Mackrell said cleaning up illegally dumped waste was an expensive task, and remained a serious issue for the council.
An abandoned tent and other items by the Murray River’s banks.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
“Clean‑ups and proper disposal of dumped waste divert staff time and funding away from essential services,” he said.
“Dumped materials create both environmental and safety risks for visitors, residents and council staff.”
The Victorian Government recently announced applications for its Illegal Dumping Clean-up Rebate Program were open, with $8.5 million on offer for councils and land managers.
A derelict 'no camping' sign at the Sawmill Track entrance in Banyula Forest.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Strong action was promised under the announcement against those who trashed the environment, with assurances the perpetrators would be held to account.
The rebate program will be facilitated by DEECA, and is part of a $21.5 million government crackdown on illegal dumping.
More than half of the overall funding will go towards the Illegal Dumping Taskforce, led by the EPA, to increase surveillance, enforcement and removal efforts.
Cushions, a sleeping bag and a camping chair discarded in Banyula Forest.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
“Too often councils and public land managers are left with a costly mess to clean up from the actions of wrong-doers,” Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said.
“This rebate scheme provides support to help cover these costs and keep our suburbs and towns clean.”
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