Man fined $2.6k for illegal dumping in Beerburrum State Forest
An illegal dumping move has been exposed after a man was seen with a mysteriously disappearing trailer load in a popular state forest.
A man who drove into a Sunshine Coast forest and dumped a load of household waste has been fined more than $2500 after he was seen leaving the area with an empty trailer.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation started an investigation after the car and trailer were seen entering Beerburrum State Forest on September 26 with a covered load.
The man was fined $2670 for the illegal dumping.
Waste and Enforcement Services executive director Jackie Mckeay said the department was committed to cracking down on illegal dumping offences.
“Our officers located illegally dumped household waste, which led us to the person responsible,” she said.
“Following DETSI’s investigation, the man admitted to committing the offence.
“Illegal dumping can cause significant damage to our environment, and we encourage the community to report illegal dumping to help protect and keep Queensland pristine.”
Reports can be made to local councils or through the Litter and Illegal Dumping Online Reporting System.
Maximum penalties for illegal dumping offences can be up to $66,760 for individuals and up to $333,800 for corporations for a waste volume of less than 2,500 litres.
For larger volumes of waste, maximum penalties increase to $166,900 for individuals and $834,500 for corporations.
