Council puts spotlight on illegal dumping

Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan wants to make the Lockyer Valley a litter free zone.

Mayor Milligan is calling on residents of the Lockyer Valley to do their bit to make the region one of the cleanest in Australia.

"Littering and illegal dumping have significant environmental and financial impacts and that is something we need to address.

"While we have an agricultural focus, the Lockyer Valley is home to a growing residential population and a wide variety of flora and fauna and it's vital we keep the region clean, but we need the help of the community to do so," Mayor Milligan said.

A State Government grant means Lockyer Valley Regional Council can now further target illegal dumping across the region.

Council was successful in receiving $91,080 from the Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnership Program, as well as an additional $60,000 from the Local Government Illegal Dumping Hotspot Grant.

It's all part of the State Government's $5 million in funding to local councils across Queensland to help crack down on the costly issue.

Lockyer Valley Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Councillor for Waste, Cr Jason Cook said a total of 136 illegal dumping and littering incidents in the Lockyer Valley Regional Council area were recorded and consequently investigated by Council from May 2020 to January this year.

"The 136 incidents led to a total of 467 wheelie bins of waste being illegally dumped.

"Council issued 11 infringements, ranging in value from $266 to more than $2000, to a total of $14,140.

"As a Council, we are committed to working with the community and will continue to look at the illegal dumping hot spots," Cr Cook said.

Council has used the funds to employ an Illegal Dumping Compliance Officer, undertake surveillance activities and conduct community education sessions. This is all part of Council's See it, Report it, Stop it illegal dumping reduction campaign and Council is encouraging the community to get on board.

"The damage caused to our community and environment by illegal dumping is immense and this is an issue we're committed to tackling.

"The war on waste is one we are committed to winning and we also thank the majority of residents who dispose of waste responsibly and legally," Cr Cook said.

For further information, contact Council on 1300 005 872.