The authorities in a popular tourist area along the Victorian / New South Wales border have had enough … and are declaring war on the thoughtless campers and others who leave tones of rubbish in scenic spots.
Desperate times call for desperate measures and, in reaction to growing levels of garbage in the Echuca-Moama area, Murray River council has set up CCTV at dumping hotspots in a bid to identify and punish the offenders.
It says it has collected around 10 cubic metres of dumped rubbish each week since Christmas. That’s the equivalent of 80 standard size removal boxes of waste being picked up every seven days.
The rubbish is also being searched for evidence such as names, addresses, delivery dockets and box bar codes to see if any link can be found to those responsible.
Both Murray River Council and the nearby Campaspe Shire Council have warned that they have illegal waste dumpers firmly in their sights. They note that while dumped household rubbish including whitegoods and even mattresses is a factor, the rubbish problem is particularly acute near camping areas.
‘‘We appreciate that most campers do the right thing in disposing of their rubbish, however, unfortunately some people still do leave their rubbish behind at the campsite or dump it in the bush or along a roadside when they leave,’’ Campaspe Shire mayor Adrian Weston, told the Riverine Herald newspaper. ‘‘Apart from our beautiful natural environment becoming unsightly, dumped rubbish poses health and safety risks for people and native wildlife alike, and contributes to the degradation of the bush.’’
In some spots, the dumpers have been ignoring the option of using multiple large skip bins which are located nearby.
Under the Protection of the Environment Act, people caught illegally dumping rubbish face an on-the-spot fine of $250, while businesses face a minimum $500 fine.
· Have you seen campers leaving rubbish behind? Do you ‘clean up’ if you arrive at a campsite surrounded by litter left by previous occupants? Is CCTV at campsites the answer? Comment below.
Bringing back flogging is the only way to stop them. They won’t pay fines. They’ve got every trick in the book up their sleeves. I’m at a camp now that has rubbish dumped where you can see the lazy sods have just driven off!! It’s a donation site and it annoys me that I bet they didn’t leave a donation, yet they’re the ones that cause someone else to have to clean up after them, thus costing money. I’ll drive away and no one will know I’ve been here…yet I have to part with money for the privilege. Just wrong and harsh punishment would see them fearful to do it again.