Parks Victoria call for community to dob in 1000 Steps polluters

PEOPLE dumping rubbish on a memorial plaque at popular fitness spot the 1000 Steps have been labelled “a bloody disgrace”.

Rubbish dumped at the 1000 Steps. Picture: Facebook

PEOPLE dumping rubbish on a memorial plaque at the 1000 Steps have been labelled “a bloody disgrace”.

The plaque was again covered in discarded water bottles on February 11.

RELATED: 1000 Steps visitors dumping coffee cups at popular tourist spot

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The 1000 Steps Facebook page posted the photo and said “lovely day to be out hiking, but then, there is this ... It’s a bloody disgrace people of Melbourne.”

Other people took to the page to vent their frustration about the continued rubbish dumping at the steps.

Knox Leader reported last year that Parks Victoria staff were set to go undercover to catch people littering at the steps after people continued to dump coffee cups and water bottles.

Parks Victoria said it was unable to give Leader figures on the operation last week, but chief ranger Matthew Hoogland again urged people to do the right thing and dispose of their rubbish.

“(We) would like to remind visitors that litter isn’t just unsightly, it is also detrimental to the health and wellbeing of wildlife and the environmental condition of the national park,” Mr Hoogland said.

“We cannot stress enough how important it is to take your rubbish home and dispose of it responsibly or use the bin provided in the cafe.”

Dumping cigarette butts or food packaging attracts an on the spot fine of $311.

Mr Hoogland said the steps were patrolled daily by Parks Victoria rangers who regularly removed litter from the park.

Anyone who observes rubbish dumping within the park should note details such as vehicle registrations, description of persons involved, the time, date and place of the offence and then report it immediately to Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or Environment Protection Authority on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).