Illegal dumping is back in the spotlight with a major $21.5 m injection to crack down on fly tipping across the state – a move that could offer fresh support to Hume City Council and Sunbury in the battle against waste blight.
The state funding will bolster surveillance, increase prosecutions, and help cover the clean-up costs of illegally dumped waste – including in cases where offenders can’t be identified or held financially responsible.
This funding comes at a time when Hume City Council is intensifying its anti‑dumping efforts.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the move comes after a sharp rise in dumping across the state.
“Councils and land managers are bearing the brunt of an alarming increase in illegal dumping,” he said. “This package will deliver immediate relief, hold offenders to account, and help restore the amenity of our parks, reserves and streetscapes.”
How the funding breaks down
- $8.5m will go to councils and public land managers to help fund the removal of dumped and hazardous waste – covering up to 50% of costs where clean-up is urgent and offender recovery isn’t possible
- $13 m will expand the EPA-led Illegal Dumping Taskforce, increasing surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement powers across known dumping hotspots
- Penalties and cost-recovery options will be reviewed, and a public “naming and shaming” approach is being considered for convicted offenders
Offenders risk steep penalties: fines of up to $3.95 million for businesses, $800,000 for individuals, or up to five years’ imprisonment – or both, said Mr Dimopoulos.
The council’s waste dumping team responds to a variety of waste-related incidents, including:
- Reports of dumped rubbish, both reported and unreported cases
- Dumped hazardous materials, such as asbestos
- Non-compliant hard waste bookings
- Dumped trolleys and rubbish obstructing footpaths and roadways
- High-incidence areas where multiple dumping incidents have occurred
- Educating residents on utilising their five free waste vouchers per year
Visit Hume Waste to find out more, or contact the EPA to report illegal dumping on 1300372842.
