Sarah Oliver
Mobile cameras that were installed in August last year have been successfully capturing illegal dumpers in Melton and reducing clean-up costs associated with dumping of waste.
Council identified a number of local areas where illegal dumping most often occurs, deploying high-tech cameras to capture dumping and identify and prosecute offenders.
As a result, the council has experienced a significant reduction in clean-up costs of dumped rubbish.
In one location in Melton West, costs were reduced by 52 per cent over a two-month period and another location in Mt Cottrell saw a reduction of 55 per cent.
A number of offenders have also been detected, with offences ranging from car boots of rubbish being dumped, to trucks dumping full loads of waste soil.
Infringement notices ranging from $363 to over $9,000 have been issued with council also seeking to recoup clean-up costs from offenders.
Melton mayor Goran Kesic said the program has been effective in detecting and and enforcing illegal dumping.
“Not only is dumped rubbish an eyesore, but it’s also dangerous to drivers and pedestrians,” Cr Kesic said.
“A recent incident saw our new cameras capture a tipper-truck dumping soil on the road, which was a serious hazard to drivers.
“Council not only removed the dumped soil, but also identified the offender and issued a substantial infringement.
“It’s a timely reminder that many residents have some no-additional-cost options for disposing of bulky items and household waste including utilising your two drops offs at the Melton Recycling Facility or booking in a hard waste collection.”
Details: bit.ly/3I0heqI
