“Let it serve as a warning”: Council crackdown on illegal dumping

A Moreton Bay man has been fined a record $35,000 and convicted of illegally dumping waste, thanks to eyewitness tip-offs from locals.

A 67-year-old Banksia Beach man has been fined $35000 for illegally dumping 20-30 tonnes of building waste. Picture: Contributed

The highest ever fine for illegal dumping in Queensland has been handed down, to a 67-year-old Banksia Beach man who dumped building waste in Narangba.

The $35,000 fine is the highest ever in Queensland for prosecutions under s104 of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act.

“Let it serve as a warning to those people thinking of doing the wrong thing, that we have mobile CCTV units and staff dedicated to ensuring criminals are held responsible for their actions,” mayor Peter Flannery said.

“Over time this particular offender had illegally dumped the equivalent of 20-30 tonnes, which is completely unacceptable on any measure.

“The successful prosecution is a major win for Council’s investigative and legal teams, and I want to publicly applaud their professionalism in gathering all the necessary evidence in difficult circumstances to prove the culprit’s guilt.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery promoting the Brisbane Bronco Alex Glenn's testimonial game against North QLD Cowboys to be played at Dolphin Stadium, Redcliffe. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

“But it we wouldn’t have achieved this outcome without eyewitness accounts and the evidence they provided.

“So I want to encourage anyone who sees illegal dumping activity or rubbish to contact Council, because this is an issue we take very seriously.”

Mr Flannery said unlike other council areas, Moreton Bay residents can dump for free, so illegal dumping is not as big of an issue compared to other SEQ councils.

“Illegal dumping isn’t just unsightly, it’s environmentally damaging, presents a serious public safety risk and can even be a biohazard or bushfire risk,” Mayor Flannery said.

“There’s no excuse and it won’t be tolerated”

In addition to the $35 000 fine, the Court also ordered the defendant to pay $1929 for the cost of Council’s prosecution and investigation, and a conviction was recorded.