A television illegally dumped at a recreational and picnic stop, along with countless pieces of other waste, on Kenny Walk in Port Macquarie, pose a public safety risk and are in the process of being removed by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
The TV is perched on the edge of the cliff’s edge and, had it not been removed, could have possibly fallen on beachways below.
But thanks to a concerned resident and the co-operation of Council, the eyesore and danger it, and other goods posed, are under control.
Resident Dave Cocks said he was appalled when he saw one of Port Macquarie’s picturesque lookouts in such a disgraceful state.
“This is one of many such outstanding places in our area,” Mr Cocks said.
“Unfortunately some mindless individuals have seen fit to throw what appears to be an old television set and a white noticeboard over the railing at the lookout above Kenny Walk.
“These items sit there in the brush surrounded by the various other small items of rubbish which the human garbage has seen fit to bless this beautiful spot with.
“I am sure that, like me, visitors from out of town are utterly disgusted with this behaviour.
“Our beauty spots like this are rapidly being engulfed in the worldwide disease of destruction and despoiling of anything that represents nature and beauty,” he said.
Mr Cocks said we will leave very little for our children to admire.
“The only places where this will be avoided will be those where sufficient money and effort is expended to keep them clean.
“It should be an absolute priority with our government and local council levying heavy fines for those responsible – if they can be caught or dobbed in.”
Council’s Development and Environmental Compliance Team Leader Tim Atherton said there was “absolutely no excuse for dumping at our beauty spots”.
“The implications can be extreme,” he said.
There is an on-the-spot fine for dumping for $200, $400 for a company, Mr Atherton said.
“In more serious cases we can prosecute in local court,” he said.
Mr Atherton said Council provides a free pick-up service once a year for goods such as the illegally dumped TV on Kenny Walk.
“All these people are doing is detracting from the beauty of the region,” he said.
“It’s simply wrong.”
Story: Kate Yates
