COUNCIL is hatching a $30,000-plan to crackdown on illegally dumped waste in the region.
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It’s hoped the new fund will help Tamworth Regional Council fast-track the clean-up of bulky rubbish in the area, specifically in cases where the dumper cannot be found.
Councillors will vote on the new fund at Tuesday’s meeting.
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“There is currently no dedicated fund and officers instead must seek funding after the incident has occurred, usually through a Government grant or redirection of funds from other areas of the Planning and Compliance budget,” acting director of planning Lucy Walker said.
“This proposal, if adopted will allow, officers to quickly and efficiently coordinate clean-ups.”
The report proposes Council’s Regulatory Services Division administer the fund but to first ensure a thorough investigation has taken place to try and identify the origin of the illegally dumped waste.
In April last year, Juanita Wilson called for an overhaul of the city’s waste collection services to stem the amount of rubbish in the streets.
She asked council to look into offering an additional service where residents can get their bulky waste collected on demand for a reasonable fee.
“There is currently no dedicated fund and officers instead must seek funding after the incident has occurred, usually through a Government grant or redirection of funds from other areas of the Planning and Compliance budget,” acting director of planning Lucy Walker said.
“This proposal, if adopted will allow, officers to quickly and efficiently coordinate clean-ups.”
The report proposes Council’s Regulatory Services Division administer the fund but to first ensure a thorough investigation has taken place to try and identify the origin of the illegally dumped waste.
Late last year a successful investigation led to Council identifying the person responsible for dumping household waste in Locks Lane, South Tamworth. He was issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice and fined $2000. The cost of disposing of a full trailer load of waste at Tamworth’s Forest Road Waste Management Centre is $17.
The report said council officers will continue to seek government funding for its ongoing efforts to clean up illegally dumped waste.
Recently, council secured a $89,500 grant to help combat illegal dumping including the clean up of several known sites for illegal dumping.
The grant - a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy - will also cover the cost of measures at the identified sites to prevent further dumping incidents such as installation of barriers, signage and surveillance devices.
Council will actively patrol known and likely dumping hot-spots and record the incidence of dumping following the clean up of existing dumped waste.