Illegal dumping

Council secures State Government grant to tackle illegal dumping

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, Cr Jason Cook said a total of 169 illegal dumping and littering incidents in the Lockyer Valley Regional Council area were recorded and consequently investigated by Council's Local Laws Officers (LLO) in the 2018 - 19 financial year.

"Of the 169 incidents, this resulted in 81 tonnes of waste being collected, transported and disposed to landfill at a cost to Council of more than $100,000," Cr Cook said.

"To date in the 2019 - 2020 financial year, Council's LLOs have attended 47 illegal dumping incidents.

"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.

The majority of incidents reported were in the key areas of Gatton, Laidley, Preston, Forest Hill, Regency Downs and Helidon.

Council will use the funds to employ an Illegal Dumping Compliance Officer, commence surveillance activities and conduct community education sessions.

"We extend our thanks to the State Government for recognising the damage caused to our community and environment and their commitment to tackling this issue.

"This funding will go a long way in reducing the out-of-place waste across the region, as well as reducing the costs associated to Council on litter and illegal dumping.

"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 or visit our Waste Management webpage.