Wildwood residents declare ‘war on dumping’ as trucks dump commercial waste

LARGE-scale commercial dumping by trucks driving in around the clock is destroying a scenic are​a​ in Melbourne’s northwest, according to neighbours who say they are “under assault”.

LARGE-scale commercial dumping by trucks driving in “around the clock” is destroying a scenic are​a​ in Melbourne’s northwest, angry locals say.

Two rural properties in Wildwood have become a haven for illegal dumping, locals say.

Frustrated residents are appealing for Hume Council to clamp down on offenders.

Last Tuesday, about 30 people met at the Wildwood CFA station to discuss their concerns following an April meeting where about 50 residents vented their frustration.

Melbourne rubbish dumpers not stopping despite councils cracking down

Sunbury Councillor Jack Medcraft attended last week’s meeting and claimed the 550 residents were declaring ‘war on dumping’.”

“There is a lot of ill feeling,” Cr Medcraft said.

“This is a big issue for Wildwood — they feel they are under assault.

“It was explained to me there is large-scale commercial dumping on two properties, one in particular, where there are trucks driving in around the clock, and I saw those trucks driving by.”

In addition to the large-scale commercial dumping, residents say individuals also dump rubbish in the area. Picture: Supplied

“I’ve also been told of unacceptable threatening behaviour when residents have complained where there is suspected dumping.”

Cr Medcraft said people also reported roadside dumping of ute and trailer-loads by individuals, who often left a trail of rubbish as they drove off.

Wildwood CFA captain Joel Xuereb said “landbanking” in Wildwood appeared to be increasing the number of properties where owners and lease holders had little regard for long-term agricultural business or their neighbours.

Those same conditions made it attractive to earn a quick buck through dumping, Mr Xuereb said.

“The CFA has attended one site 15 times over a 22-month period following reports of rubbish burning,” he said.

Landbanking is the practice of buying land as an investment for future use.

On blocks in green wedge zones such as Wildwood it is often understood to be for speculative purposes, in anticipation that the land will be rezoned and increase in value.

About 30 people attended a public meeting last week to discuss the dumping problem. Picture: Supplied

“Wildwood has been discovered in a sense — it’s this semirural place just out of the city and it’s close to massive growth in Sunbury, Craigieburn, Greenvale and more.

“It’s just too easy to drive here and drop a load of rubbish.”

Mr Xuereb said the irresponsible behaviour made the prospects of a fire emergency stemming from a local property a growing concern during fire danger periods.

Fellow resident and businessman Ian Taylor said Wildwood had lost part of the community charm he had known over the past 25 years.

He said large turnouts for CFA events and tree plantings along the Emu and Deep creeks were common 10 years ago.

“There is definitely an element of people who have moved in and have no interest in this area,” he said.

“After what we have seen with the fire at the recycling and plastics plant in Coolaroo, there is a lot of concern and worries the same thing could happen here.”

Hume Council sustainable infrastructure and services director Peter Waite said it was investigating two sites in Wildwood for illegal dumping after four follow-up investigations in the area in 2016/17.

“The council has increased roadside patrols in Wildwood to collect dumped material and search for evidence that will identify offenders,” he said.

“The council will also conduct camera surveillance in hot spots to ensure anyone dumping rubbish illegally is caught.”

To report illegal dumping, call Hume Council on 9205 2200.