A crackdown on illegal dumping in Mackay is having positive effects.
According to Mackay Regional Council, regular patrols and increased signage has led to a noticeable decrease in offences across the region.
Mayor Greg Williamson said while it was encouraging to see fewer cases of general waste being illegally dumped, green waste remained a significant issue.
“Unfortunately, we’re still seeing green waste like lawn clippings, branches and palm fronds dumped in parks, reserves and bushland,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Some people think because it’s natural, it’s harmless – but that’s not the case,” he said.
“Dumped green waste can block drainage systems, attract pests, spread weeds and even become a fire hazard.”
Unlike household waste, illegally dumped green waste is nearly impossible to track back to an offender unless they are caught in the act.
“We’re asking the community to be extra vigilant and report anyone they see dumping green waste in public areas,” Mayor Williamson said.
Residents are reminded that illegally dumping green waste carries the same penalties as other forms of dumping, with fines of $2500 or more depending on the amount of waste that is dumped.
Instead of dumping green waste, it can be disposed of responsibly by being placed in residents’ red-lidded general waste bin or taken to one of council’s waste facilities to be disposed of for free using dump vouchers.
If you see illegal dumping, report it to council by calling 1300 MACKAY (622 529).
