Councils, public land managers and regional waste groups across NSW can now apply for a share of more than $1.2 million to prevent illegal dumping and protect local environments and communities.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has opened Round 3 of the Illegal Dumping Prevention Program, which supports targeted, on-the-ground projects to address the problem at its source.
Funding is available for a wide range of initiatives, including deterrents such as fencing and barriers, site clean-ups, education and behaviour change campaigns, surveillance and enforcement tools.
EPA Executive Director of Programs and Innovation, Alexandra Geddes said $2.83 million awarded to 36 successful recipients across the first two rounds has had a meaningful impact.
"These grants help organisations take action, making a real difference by preventing illegal dumping before it occurs," Ms Geddes said.
"We've seen great results in places like Bathurst and the Shoalhaven, where previous funding improved monitoring and helped deter repeat offenders through innovative design and technology.
"In this Round, we're looking to back more projects that reduce the volume of waste being dumped illegally, because it is more than just an eyesore – it's a threat to our environment, wildlife and public safety."
Dumping incidents in the Bathurst local government area are estimated to have halved after Bathurst Regional Council received more than $117,000 under Round 1 of the program. The council installed solar-powered mobile cameras and community signage across known hotspots, allowing it to monitor activity in real time, catch perpetrators in the act, and clean up dumped materials more efficiently.
Meanwhile, Shoalhaven City Council was awarded more than $76,000 in funding under Round 2 of the program. Approximately 450 tonnes of illegally dumped waste was recovered from public land in the local government area during the past two years. This investment will enable the council to collaborate with NSW Government agencies, such as National Parks and Wildlife Service and Crown Lands, to run a community awareness campaign, and install gates, bollards, signage and CCTV cameras in high-risk dumping zones.
Grants range from $20,000 to $200,000.
