Littering fines: Councillor calls for huge increase
TOSSERS could be fined more than $1000 if found guilty of littering if a Central Coast Councillor gets his way.
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CENTRAL Coast litterbugs could face fines of $1250 if a Central Coast councillor gets his way.
Independent Cr Bruce McLachlan has called for a fivefold increase in littering penalties to halt the growing rubbish problem on the Central Coast. Cr McLachlan said the penalty should increase from $250 to $1250.
“Action, not words, is what the community wants on litter and plastics washing into our marine environment,” he said.
“The community tolerance to grubby tourists and locals alike, who think it’s their right to leave their rubbish behind on our Central Coast beaches and reserves, is over.”
Cr McLachlan said now was the time to get serious on the issue.
“Hopefully my fellow councillors will find some testicular fortitude, and really push hard on the issue and, collectively as a newly merged council, set a new vision and attitude towards litter on the Coast,” he said.
Cr McLachlan tried to double fines to $500 at a recent meeting. His motion was not passed, but councillors did vote to review its litter policy. Council will now explore tougher fines and more education, looking into enforcement options and whether increasing fines acts as a deterrent for offenders.
A council spokeswoman said the council had issued 62 infringements over the past two years, which equates to one per fortnight. Offences have included general litter, lit cigarettes and littering from a motor vehicle.
Take 3 For the Sea co-founder Tim Silverwood said he would like to see the Central Coast become a leader in addressing the problems of litter and plastic pollution.
Take 3 is a not-for-profit organisation established in Bateau Bay in 2009 to deliver education programs to help create a cleaner environment.
“In 2018, we are seeing this issue rise to global prominence,” Mr Silverwood said.
“We see local councils around Australia taking bold action to reduce the sources of plastic pollution.”
He said with enforcement and education, the council could “make the region recognised for its strong stance on preventing litter and reducing plastic pollution.”
Fellow Take 3 co-founder Mandy Marechal said data showed that by 2050 plastic will outweigh sea life in the ocean.
“We have been monitoring The Entrance which is a known litter hot spot recognised by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA),” she said.
“We are at a junction in time and we all need to work together, from schools to businesses and the community.”
The council spokeswoman said council rangers, and a number of other compliance staff, have the power to fine people for littering.
“The effective issuing of infringement notices relies heavily on catching people in the act or conducting detailed investigations into claims of littering we receive from members of the public,” she said.
The council runs campaigns across the Coast to educate the community about the effects of littering. These campaigns have included Hey Tosser, the introduction of reusable cups to cafes, ongoing waste education and Clean Up Australia Day which will roll out across the coast on Sunday March 4.