Search for tree loppers allegedly involved in illegal dumping at Wamberal, Point Clare cemeteries

Treeloppers who are suspected of illegally dumping a truckload of mulch among the dead at two Central Coast cemeteries have been sensationally caught in the act.

There is hope photographs of a truck at Wamberal Cemetery on Friday will assist with inquiries into the illegal dumping of tree mulch.

Personal Services Australia (PSA) spokesman Dale Neale said illegal dumping of mulch at cemeteries had gotten worse in the past two years.

The piles of illegally dumped mulch at Wamberal Cemetery. Picture: supplied

PSA is contracted by Central Coast Council to operate Wamberal and Point Clare cemeteries and Mr Neale said a number of unscrupulous tree loppers had been dumping tonnes of worthless mulch every couple of months.

Most recently Mr Neale said 18sq m of chipped tree mulch had been dumped at Wamberal Cemetery.

But unlike previous incidents, he said this time they had photographs of the truck allegedly responsible.

Mr Neale said the distinctive blue truck with light blue crane and large white stripe down the side should assist inquiries.

The distinctive blue and white truck used to illegally dump mulch at Wamberal Cemetery. Picture: supplied

The truck’s registration number is URH-958.

Mr Neale is urging anyone who knows the location or owner of the truck to report it to the Hunter Central Coast Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) squad.

“Over recent times we have seen an increase in tree maintenance companies using the cemeteries to illegally dump their green mulched tree waste instead of paying to take it to the tip, which they have no doubt charged their clients for,” he said.

The truck’s registration is URH-958. Picture: supplied

“Cemeteries are very expensive to maintain so that they can be kept in good condition for families to go there to spend time reflecting on love ones who have passed,” Mr Neale said.

“We do not need tree maintenance operators dumping unsightly waste in these special places and disrespecting the people who are laid to rest there.”

Mr Neale said the last time mulch was dumped at Point Clare Cemetery it was done “right next to the baby section”.

The brazen dumping of mulch at the cemetery despite a sign urging people to report illegal dumping. Picture: supplied

He said tree loppers could sell clean mulch from chipped native trees, however mulch from palm trees, introduced and weed species was worthless and had to be disposed of at the tip.

The Hunter Central Coast RID squad was established in 2014 as a partnership between coast and hunter councils and the Environment Protection Authority to investigate and reduce illegal dumping.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Hunter Central Coast RID on: 131 555.