By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
ILLEGAL dumping of rubbish has increased across the City of Melton prompting the council to warn offenders that they will face hefty fines if caught.
Melton City Council’s manager of operations Greg Wood said the council was disappointed that offenders continue use the city streets as their dumping ground.
But he said the issue was a statewide problem and not specific to the municipality of Melton.
Mr Wood said the council would continue to take a hands-on approach to stem the problem and urged residents to take pride in their community.
“Council takes a proactive approach to addressing illegal dumping by undertaking surveillance, including covert surveillance at known hotspots, removing rubbish as soon as possible and issuing infringement notices to identified offenders,” he said.
“We urge all residents who witness the dumping of waste to report these occurrences so the matter can be investigated.”
Mr Wood said the council takes great pride in the presentation of its streetscapes and works with the community to help keep the city clean.
“We have proactive systems in place to ensure that when littering or vandalism occurs it is dealt with promptly.”
The call to keep the city clean comes just weeks ahead of Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 2 March.
Melton mayor Bob Turner said the day was a great opportunity for residents to take action and help preserve the local environment.
“Clean up Australia Day is an easy way we can all get involved in cleaning up and preserve our parks, reserves and waterways,” Cr Turner said.
“I encourage residents to muster their family, friends and neighbours and sign up for this important community initiative. You can register your own site or come along to one of the registered sites.”
Cr Turner reminded residents that at any time throughout the year donations of reusable items like clothing, furniture, toys, books, bikes and cookware can be made to the Melton Resale Centre located in Ferris Road.
Litter reporting forms can be obtained from the council’s website or by calling the council’s waste services unit on (03) 9747 7200.
