Cessnock City Council has recently completed a $143,000 illegal dumping clean-up project in the Crown Land reserve near the Cessnock Waste Management Centre.
The clean-up project was made possible with funding from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) via its Illegal Dumping, Clean-up and Prevention Grant Program.
Council worked closely with Crown Lands to undertake the site clean-up.
The project involved the removal of 18.54 tonnes of waste, 52 tyres and several abandoned vehicles. This alone cost $88,000.
In an effort to prevent ongoing vehicle access to the site, fencing was also installed, at a cost of $55,000. The new fencing has since been damaged.
Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal said illegal dumping was an ongoing issue across the Cessnock Local Government Area, and it comes at a significant cost.
"There is absolutely no excuse for illegal dumping and I can assure people that the fines are far worse than the fees at the Cessnock Waste Management Centre," Councillor Suvaal said.
"Council provides four waste vouchers to all residential properties that receive a domestic waste service. These can be used at the Cessnock Waste Management Centre to assist with the cost waste disposal."
"These vouchers are issued with rates notices sent to property owners each July, so if you're renting and don't receive these vouchers, I suggest you contact your real estate agent."
"Illegal dumping clean-up comes at a significant cost and unfortunately the majority of people are paying the price for the behaviour of a few."
Illegal dumping should be reported immediately. You can report illegal dumping online at ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au or by calling 131 555.
