By Brendan Rees
Casey Council has resorted to installing surveillance cameras in a bid to catch illegal rubbish dumpers.
Each year, the city pays about $1 million in collecting and disposing of illegally dumped rubbish.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett said in last 12 months, council had responded to more than 1,300 litter reports and issued 216 notices resulting in 85 fines.
He said council disposed of 600 tonnes of dumped rubbish each year.
Council has recently begun the installation of cameras in various hot spots across the municipality to help clamp down on the issue.
Council issues on the spot fines, including a $317 infringement for illegal dumping.
Friends of Pearcedale’s Colley Street Reserve treasurer Helen Beaver is fed up and said she had seen plenty of old clothing and furniture being dumped it all sorts of places.
“Really strange places you find these bags of clothes, some of them have been opened so you’ve got actually clothes on nature strips and things like that.”
Hampton Park resident Sue Florence said rubbish had been scattered across the River Gum Creek Reserve.
“It’s very unsightly. It’s a shame people don’t seem to have pride in their local area.”
Cr Ablett urged residents to be mindful about how they can dispose of waste responsibly.
“There are plenty of easy and accessible ways that you can get rid of your litter without dumping it on the side of the road or leaving it behind,” Cr Ablett said.
If you would like to report a case of littering or illegal dumping, visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/litterreport.
