Mitchell Shire Council welcomes enforcement action by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) following ongoing reports of illegal waste dumping at a private property on Kilmore-Glenaroua Road, Glenaroua.
The EPA confirmed it has issued cleanup notices to prevent further waste being deposited on the site. Notices have also been issued to companies allegedly responsible for illegally depositing waste on the land. Those involved could face prosecution and substantial fines under the Environment Protection Act 2017.
Council first raised the matter with the EPA in April after receiving numerous community complaints about waste being trucked to the site. Council expressed serious concern about the environmental impacts and fire risks, given the site's location in bushland within a bushfire overlay.
Since then, Council has continued to advocate for immediate enforcement action and has worked closely with the EPA, CFA, Victoria Police and Fire Rescue Victoria to assess risks and support a coordinated response.
Council welcomes the EPA's recent action to prohibit further waste dumping and ensure the property owner undertakes risk reduction works on the land, particularly as we approach the fire season.
Council officers will continue to monitor the situation and assist the EPA and emergency services as required. Council is also helping gather evidence of illegal depositors on the land and will do everything possible to support the EPA's investigation and ensure those responsible face the full force of the law.
Council understands the community's frustration and shares its concerns. Council has written to the Minister for Environment as well as the CEO of the EPA to highlight the risks and seek stronger action.
The situation reinforces the importance of Council's Dob in a Dumper campaign, which encourages the community to report illegal dumping.
Community members who observe illegal dumping or pollution should report it to Council through Report It
