Authorities have installed CCTV cameras valued at $25,000 to catch people illegally dumping rubbish near Rockbank train station.
The cameras, jointly funded by the state government, Melton council and VicTrack, were installed last week.
A VicTrack spokesman said the rail agency had carried out five major clean-ups since August last year at a cost of more than $15,000.
“The new cameras will assist in deterring illegal rubbish dumping, speed up the response time to any reported rubbish and help identify culprits for prosecution,” he said.
Rubbish collected from the station grounds included mattresses, couches, furniture, tyres, household rubbish and even asbestos.
“This [resulted in] 24 tip loads, four recycle loads and one load to a licensed asbestos disposal facility,” the spokesman said.
Cambridge Coburn and Watts Residents Association president Nathan Miles said rubbish dumping was a problem across the city. He said other problem areas included Melton Reservoir and the burnt-out remains of the Diggers Rest Hotel.
“Anywhere that is open or isolated, people tend to dump,’’ he said.
“It’s a good thing that the CCTV has been installed; it costs a fortune in clean-up bills.”
Mr Miles said excessive tip fees could be a factor in high levels of illegal dumping.
“I understand that the council has to pay a rebate to the Environmental Protection Authority, but $20 to dump a mattress? People can’t afford it.
“I’m sure if it was free or cheaper, the problem wouldn’t be as bad.’’
Cr Bob Turner said the council offered a range of waste and recycling collection options. ‘‘Residents have the option of booking a hard-waste collection from their property or accessing the Melton Recycling Facility via a free hard-waste disposal allocation provided to all residents annually,’’ he said.
» Report illegal dumping to the EPA on 1300 372 842.
