Council & Politics

29 October, 2025

Illegal dumping funds welcomed by council

NORTHERN Grampians Shire has welcome extra funding to crack down on illegal dumping of rubbish. The State Government says it has listened to the concerns of local councils and land managers who are facing an increase in dumping. The Government will invest $21.5 million to bolster the Illegal Dumping Taskforce and deliver extra financial support for councils and public land managers to clean-up illegally dumped waste. The package includes $8.5 million to help ease the burden of clean-up costs for illegally dumped and toxic waste in public spaces. Environment Minister Steve Dimopolous said the funding will help public land managers clean up priority waste – like public health hazards – and will cover up to 50 per cent of the clean-up costs in situations where all avenues to trace the perpetrator and recover costs have been exhausted or are not feasible. “We helping keep our parks and suburbs clean and healthy and we’re cracking down on polluters.” “There’s no excuse for illegal dumping and anyone who thinks they can get away with it should think again,” Mr Dimopolous said. Mayor Karen Hyslop admits illegal dumping is an issue for council. “In 2024/25 we had 105 reports of illegal dumping across the shire. They can be for a range of properties, but most of the dumping that occurs is in the state parks. “Dumping that occurs on Crown land, which is not managed by council, is sent to Parks Victoria and DEECA. Dumping that occurs on local (not arterial) roadsides is council’s responsibility.” In 2024/25 council spent $14,000 on clean-up costs, largely due to illegally dumped asbestos, found either on roadsides or within council Food Organics and Garden Organics, FOGO, kerbside bins. “Other items found on roadsides included old mattresses and miscellaneous items.” Individual reports of Illegally dumped rubbish to council (please note, this does not necessarily denote individual cases and includes reports which were outside of council’s area of responsibility). 2020-21: 76 2021-22: 103 2022-23: 103 2023-24: 79 2024-25: 105 This trend indicates a 4.5% annual increase in reports over the past five years. The recent dumped asbestos in 2024/25 has come at an increased expense than previous years. Cr Hyslop encouraged people to report illegally dumped rubbish to EPA on 1300 372 842, or online via the Snap Send Solve app, or to council on (03) 5358 8700. “If you catch someone in the act, please call Victoria Police on 131 444. You can use this number to report non-urgent crimes or events 24/7,” she said. Transfer Station gate fees at council run facilities operate on a fee for service model, with gate fees comprising a 50 per cent subsidy by council, with the remaining 50 percent worn by the customer. “Northern Grampians Shire Council transfer station fees have remained steady for a long period, with only incremental changes,” Cr Hyslop said. “On that basis, any change in behaviour is only a product of individual circumstance, not a product of increased gate fees. “Waste collection and disposal is an essential service that comes at a significant cost. Council endeavours to achieve a fair and equitable balance of fees and cost worn by all of community. Each member of the community has a responsibility to dispose of their waste in a reasonable, considered and ethical manner.”

By Craig Wilson

Read More: Stawell

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