Thu. Dec 12th, 2024

What could have been an easy and affordable disposal of household goods has now cost one Gunnedah resident a $1000 fine for illegal dumping. 

Residents notified Gunnedah Shire Council they had witnessed two men in a small four-wheel drive vehicle dumping a lounge suite on a Gunnedah footpath outside a vacant lot in the early hours of the morning on Monday, December 2nd.

The vehicle they were driving was described as an early model Nissan X-trail, brown or tan in colour and towing a box trailer with a cage. 

After reviewing private CCTV footage, Compliance Officers identified a suspect who was the passenger in the vehicle.  The 56-year-old man was later spoken to, and he admitted to the dumping. 

Compliance Officers are still seeking the driver of the vehicle and are asking anyone with information to contact Council on 6740 2100.

A Gunnedah Shire Council spokesperson says year on year rates of illegal dumping in Gunnedah Sire are fairly consistent.

“Illegal dumping typically occurs in discrete locations and at times where the opportunity for witnesses is low.”

“Council uses intelligence and information to deploy surveillance to a number of locations, in addition to posting warning signage in some locations.”

Household waste and household furniture are the most common items being illegally dumped, however Council says there is a simple solution.

“Council operates a licensed waste management facility on Quia Road Gunnedah that is open 7 days. Waste facilities are also available at Carrol, Curlewis, Breeza, Tamba Springs and Mullaley.” 

The NSW Government significantly increased the on-the-spot fines for illegal dumping and waste dumping offences in May this year.

 Illegal dumping and illegal waste costs councils and the communities several thousand dollars per year to clean up and dispose of. 

“Across NSW, it costs millions of dollars to clean up and there is often harm done to the environment and risks posed to people’s lives. Illegal dumping also undermines legitimate businesses,” said Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Community Safety Wade Berryman. 

Any information regarding illegal dumping can be reported confidentially or anonymously to Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Community Safety on 02 67402100, the NSW EPA Environment Line 131 555, or www.ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au.            


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