Litterbugs are being put on notice – they face hefty fines for illegal dumping of rubbish in Moorabool.
Moorabool council is warning people to stop dumping litter in public places – an activity that’s both illegal and detrimental to the environment.
Mayor Paul Tatchell said the council was concerned about an increase in littering.
“This is a disgusting habit and our officers are doing all they can to get people to cease doing it,” Cr Tatchell said.
“Incidents reported to us are documented, investigated where possible and fines and court proceedings are entered into. So aside from the damage you are doing to people and the environment, it’s not worth the potential financial risk if you are caught.”
It costs the council about $80,000 a year to control the problem – about $48,000 for staff and vehicle/equipment costs and about $30,000 for disposal.
Cr Tatchell said when a member of the public identified litter dumping, the litter should not be disturbed or documents removed. Disturbed litter may render it inadmissible as evidence in court.
Anyone charged with a littering offence can cop fines of up to $8800.
“We encourage people instead to report litter dumping to the council as soon as possible,” Cr Tatchell said.
Report dumping sightings to council during business hours on 5366 7100.
