Illegal dumping escalates across Gympie region

Authorities are on the hunt for the business or contractor who dumped a massive pile of rubbish on the side of the road near the Old Bruce Highway in Mary Valley as the issue of illegal dumping escalates.

The pile of waste left by the roadside near the intersection of Old Bruce Highway and Kenilworth Skyring Creek Road appears to have been illegally dumped by a business or contractor.

Authorities are calling on the public for any help to identify and prosecute illegal dumpers in the Gympie region as the issue escalates in 2025, with 75 incidents already this year involving 78,000 litres of waste.

The most recent incident involves a huge pile of waste dumped at Tuchekoi in the Mary Valley, but what authorities believe to be either a business or contractor.

The rubbish was left by the roadside near the intersection of Old Bruce Highway and Kenilworth Skyring Creek Road, and because of its quantity and contents, appears to have been illegally dumped by a business or contractor, a statement from the Gympie Regional Council said.

“If anyone has any information relating to this specific dump site, they are encouraged to contact the council immediately. Council welcomes any information that can assist in holding those responsible for this illegal dumping accountable,” the statement said.

The pile of waste left by the roadside near the intersection of Old Bruce Highway and Kenilworth Skyring Creek Road appears to have been illegally dumped by a business or contractor.

Residents can submit information at [e-mail] or by calling 1300 307 800.

Mary Valley councillor Gordon Maudsley said anyone caught illegally dumping waste would suffer the consequences.

“We’re proud of our community and want to ensure it is safe and clean, which is why we take illegal dumping very seriously,” he said.

“Individuals and businesses caught dumping need to be held accountable, and we’re encouraging the community to report these instances to council for investigation. With the $15 million allocated each year, waste disposal is a huge cost to council and it’s not fair for average ratepayers to have to pick up the costs for those who choose to do the wrong thing.

“We have many ways and places to dispose of rubbish, take your rubbish to one of our waste management facilities or put it in the bin. Please don’t dump in our parks, forests or roadsides.”

The pile of waste left by the roadside near the intersection of Old Bruce Highway and Kenilworth Skyring Creek Road appears to have been illegally dumped by a business or contractor.

For those with information relating to any other instances of illegal dumping can submit photos and videos via the council’s website, at www.bit.ly/dumpingevidence

“When recording evidence, it’s important to note the vehicle registration of vehicles involved, along with any information regarding the driver,” the council statement read.

“Gympie Regional Council has long been fighting to uphold its zero-tolerance stance on illegal dumping in the region.

“Illegal dumping is a growing issue in the region with 75 illegal dumping complaints received by the council and over 78,000 litres of illegal waste recorded so far this year.

Incorrect disposal of waste and hazardous materials not only impacts the natural beauty of the

region but also poses significant threats to the health and wellbeing of our community, environment

and wildlife.