People who dump rubbish in Yarra Ranges face fines of up to $8000

LITTERBUGS dumping mountains of rubbish near the Yarra River are being slammed as “disgusting” and “lazy” as authorities threaten hefty fines.

Woori Yallock resident Jamie Keogh is fed up with people dumping rubbish by the yarra river instead of taking it to the tip. His calls to the council to have the rubbish removed have been unanswered. Picture: Paul Loughnan

LITTERBUGS who dump rubbish in Yarra Ranges’ waterways and parklands are being warned they could face hefty fines or prosecution.

And residents are slamming the selfish few as “disgusting” and “lazy” for ruining the local environment instead of taking garbage to the tip.

Jamie Keogh of Woori Yallock said he was “disgusted” to find that a mountain of dumped rubbish remained at the Woori Yallock bridge carpark for about four months.

The mound of rubbish was about 40m away from the Yarra River and more had been dumped there last week.

“This used to be a place where you could take your dogs for a walk or go fishing — it’s nothing like that any more and it’s a real shame that it’s been allowed to get like this,” Mr Keogh said.

“The people who are doing it are really selfish — I’d say they’re dirty pigs.”

Dumped rubbish by the Yarra River, Woori Yallock. Picture: Paul Loughnan

VicRoads, which owns the land, said the mess had finally been cleaned up last week.

After inquiries from Leader, regional director metro south east Aidan McGann said the rubbish had been removed. “We are aware, and disappointed, that this rubbish has been dumped on to public land,” Mr McGann said.

Yarra Ranges Council director of planning, building and health Andrew Paxton said the council would fine or prosecute anyone found littering.

In March last year the council investigated a huge amount of rubbish illegally dumped near the Old Warburton Highway turn-off in Seville East.

At the time evidence was found to identify the culprits and eight fines worth $289 each were issued to residents from Yarra Junction, Seville and Millgrove.

High tip fees are blamed by many for illegal dumping but Mr Paxton said there were many ways to dispose of rubbish, including taking it to the tip or using the council’s garbage, recycling and green waste kerbside collection services.

Melbourne Water program leader north east Mark Scida said it was disappointing to see people using the environment as a dumping ground.

“Unfortunately illegal dumping along waterways does occur from time to time, which poses a threat to the health of the surrounding environment,” Mr Scida said.

“It’s always frustrating to have to remove dumped rubbish as it detracts time and resources away from more important activities along waterways.”

Anyone caught dumping can face fines of between $289 and $8662.

Instances of illegal dumping or other pollution should be reported to the EPA’s 24-hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842.