A crackdown on illegal dumping in Townsville could see offenders hit with hefty fines.
According to Queensland Parks and Wildlife rangers, dumped rubbish is being found at all the reserves and protected areas in our region.
Senior Conservation Officer Craig Dunk says people who dump rubbish in the reserve have little respect for the environment.
“The community shouldn’t have to tolerate illegal dumping, so we conduct thorough, meticulous investigations,” he says.
“We routinely receive information from members of the public who provide details including the time and location to the department about illegal dumpers.
“Illegal dumping is a pollution hazard. It can damage the natural and cultural values of an area, can cause injuries to people and wildlife and can also be a fire hazard.”
Rusted car bodies, piles of nappies, household waste, fish carcasses and even a freezer full of rotting food are just some of the waste rangers have found.
Mr Dunk says Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) had recently been issued to people in the Townsville region for illegal dumping offences.
“These PINs can cost people more than $2000, so we recommend that people take their rubbish to the tip if they want to avoid a fine,” he says.
“The maximum penalty for illegally dumping waste in Queensland is $2,300 for an individual and up to $10,781 for a company; and the department has issued an expensive fine to a person involved in the illegal dumping.”
Anyone with information about illegally dumped waste in a national park or the Port Access Reserve is encouraged to call the department on the Pollution Hotline 1300 130 372.
