Council seeks comment on illegal dumping strategy
Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking comments from the community regarding its draft strategy designed to tackle illegal dumping.
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Halstead encouraged all residents to view the draft strategy which is currently on exhibition.
“The Shire covers a vast area and while illegal dumping incidents occur largely in isolated bushland, highly visible locations such as shopping precincts and tourist sites are also a target,” he said.
“The draft strategy suggests employing a number of techniques including video surveillance, rewards for residents who report a dumper and physical barriers for dumping hotspots.”
As a starting point, the Wingecarribee Local Illegal Dumping Strategy is based upon the following principles:
- Illegal dumping is a criminal activity;
- Illegal dumping has significant social, environmental and financial costs;
- Illegal dumping must be eliminated; and
- Where there is an illegal dumping incident, every effort will be made to identify the perpetrator and impose the greatest penalty available.
While eliminating illegal dumping may sound idealistic, there are a number of mechanisms that can be put in place. The draft strategy takes a hard line approach and includes some creative suggestions for dealing with offenders.
Copies of the draft strategy, which is currently on exhibition, explores how illegal dumping has been managed in the Shire in recent years and outlines the actions proposed to combat dumpers.
To view the draft strategy visit Council’s Moss Vale Civic Centre between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday or the Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale libraries. An electronic version can also be viewed on Council’s website at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au via the ‘What’s on Exhibition’ link.
Feedback received from the community will be considered prior to the final document being adopted by Council.
Deadline for return of surveys is Wednesday 30 May 2012.
For further information or to provide feedback contact Council on 4868 0888, write to PO Box 141, MOSS VALE NSW 2577, email wscmail@wsc.nsw.gov.au or visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/whats-on-public-exhibition