Illegal dumping grubs urged to use free dump days rather than destroying our region

As illegal dumpers fill the Bohle River and bushland with rubbish, Townsville’s clean up crusader has pleaded for help from residents. See the latest infuriating photos.

Dave Dudley, Tidy Up Townsville co-ordinator, under the Bohle River Bridge on Dalrymple Road. Picture: Shae Beplate.

It’s enough to make the blood boil seeing rubbish like car parts and an airconditioner clogging the already-polluted Bohle River and nearby bushland, given that Townsville residents just had a free dumping weekend, at least that’s according to tireless clean up crusader and co-ordinator of the TIDY Up Townsville Group, Dave Dudley.

Leading into the Christmas period, he has called on the region’s litterers, dumpers, cable thieves and copper cookers to do the right thing by the community and the local environment by developing a conscience and finding a better hobby.

Over the last 12 months, he has noted an increasing number of reports about illegal dumping, and has discovered a lot more dumping sites and litter, in a trend he described as “disappointing”.

“Nowhere is safe, even National Parks see their fair share (of dumping),” Mr Dudley said.

“This week a Toyota cab, seat, bullbar, an aircon, car parts, concrete and trade waste were found dumped in the Bohle River at Greater Ascot, and more reported by TIDY members.

Dave Dudley, Tidy Up Townsville co-ordinator, under the Bohle River Bridge on Dalrymple Road. Picture: Shae Beplate.

With Townsville just finishing up its free dump weekend (which included tyres), he said it showed a “lack of intelligence” from the littering grubs who only had to drive a couple more minutes further to do the right thing, at no cost.

“I’m not sure of the attendance numbers at the recent council free dump weekend but from witness reports and traffic queues, the (attendance) numbers were down,” he said.

Dumped rubbish found around Townsville in November. Picture: Supplied.

Dumped rubbish found in the Bohle River in November. Picture: Supplied.

“This was an opportunity to clean out instead of dumping in the bush … and now its going to cost us all.”

He urged people who knew anyone who was dumping to pull them up and ask whether it was the right thing to do.

“The partner taking off for a late night drive with the trailer full of rubbish, or a drive before work is probably not going to work and is easy to spot,” he said.

Dumped rubbish found around Townsville in November. Picture: Supplied.

Dumped rubbish found in the Bohle River in November. Picture: Supplied.

“For people witnessing (dumping), stay well back and don’t get into a conflict as these people can become unpredictable and aggressive.

Residents wishing to contribute to the clean up effort were encouraged to join their group on Facebook.

A Townsville City Council spokeswoman said the council took illegal dumping very seriously.

“It is a completely preventable problem which affects our wildlife, nature and the amenity of our city,” the spokeswoman said.

The TIDY Up Townsville Group has worked hard to spread the anti-dumping message throughout the region. Picture: Supplied.

Copper thieves illegally dump the remains of their thefts, polluting bushland around Townsville. Picture: Supplied.

“Council patrols illegal dumping hotspots all year round and we find that illegal dumping in areas like Shaw and Bohle Plains often includes large items like cars, tyres and building materials as well as general waste, which is not OK.

“Last year Council installed gates and boulders at an illegal dumping hot spot along the Bohle River to prevent vehicle access for illegal dumpers.”

The council has been fining individuals and businesses for illegal dumping, with fines starting at $2580.

“It’s a lot cheaper and easier to take your rubbish to one of Townsville’s five waste transfer stations. Council has issued five fines during the past 12 months, however we have asked many more illegal dumpers to clean up their dumped rubbish to benefit the environment and recognise the impact their behaviour has caused,” she said.

“Council has just wrapped up its Get Ready Tip Weekend, which ran from November 8 to 11, giving 5904 customers the chance to drop their waste off for free.

“Green waste and recyclable items are free to take to Council’s transfer stations and landfills all year round. Council also offers a free kerbside collection service that residents can use once a year at a date of their choosing to dispose of large household items.”

To report illegal dumping, visit the council’s website.

Originally published as Illegal dumping grubs urged to use free dump days rather than destroying our region