Hume ratepayers pay the price for rubbish thrown in suburb

This stunning photograph from a Craigieburn man has highlighted an ongoing problem which is costing ratepayers millions of dollars a year. But what is being done to stop it?

Craigieburn resident John Cornelissens took this shot of a kangaroo being forced to dodge dumped rubbish in Marathon Blvd.

The clean up of illegally dumped rubbish is costing Hume ratepayers millions of dollars a year.

The issue of dumping has long been a problem in the area.

Long-term Craigieburn resident John Cornelissens said he was appalled to see piles of rubbish, including furniture, cartons and even a vacuum cleaner, dumped near Marathon Blvd in a paddock last week.

And amid all the piles of garbage was Australian wildlife, trying to survive in the rubbish.

Rubbish dumping cost ratepayers $2.25 million in the past 12 months.

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Mr Cornelissens, who has lived in Craigieburn for 28 years, said he was disgusted to see it being turned into a dumping ground.

“I was saddened to see a kangaroo jumping through people’s rubbish on the outskirts of Craigieburn near Marathon Blvd in a new housing estate being built,” he said.

He said he wanted to find out how this could be stopped.

“My Question is: why do people dump rubbish? Why is it so hard to take their own rubbish to the tip?”

Reader Suzanne Palmer told the Leader there was a need for bigger fines and more signs to show the consequences of dumping.

Hume resident, Nicole Ilsley, said there was a lot more rubbish in the area.

“It’s dumped in broad daylight and constantly blowing into my house,” she said.

Hume Council sustainable infrastructure and services director Peter Waite said the illegal dumping of residential, commercial and demolition waste was a significant issue.

“These actions are disrespectful towards our community as ultimately, illegal dumping costs ratepayers money and damages the appearance of our city,” Mr Waite said.

“Council is aware of several hot spots in Hume City where waste is dumped. “

Mr Waite said the council made regular patrols and used remote surveillance to identify and persecute offenders.

“Since July 2018, 90 fines totalling over $44,000 have been issued. This does not include incidences subject to further legal action,” he said.

“Dumped waste is not only unsightly but can also pose a danger to the community, environment and wildlife.”

Mr Waite said there were a range of free services for residents to dispose of their unwanted hard rubbish, including, free annual tip passes.

Mr Cornelissens said he didn’t know what the right answer was, but something had to change.

“I don’t know the answer to this problem, but their must be an easier way,” he said.

“Maybe we all need to talk more and find a way.”

Report dumped rubbish on 9205 2200.