CITY of Canning has confirmed it plans to tackle continued illegal dumping at a Queens Park wetlands.
Maniana Park’s lake has become a dumping ground for people looking to offload rubbish instead of paying to take it to the tip.
A City spokesman confirmed it had been alerted to the poor state of the lake and had increased measures to prevent the illegal dumping.
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READ NOW“The City of Canning has received complaints about illegal dumping at Maniana Park and is taking positive steps to reduce access to dumping in the area, including restricting vehicle access and increasing patrols by the Ranger and Community Safety Service (RCSS),” he said.
“The City’s RCSS also deploy mobile closed circuit TV in various illegal dumping hotspots to deter the behaviour.”
The City removed some of the debris in the lake in July at the behest of local resident Jennifer Armstrong, who said the City was unable to clear all the rubbish.
“They did something and moved stuff which was temporarily submerged, but it hadn’t been completely cleared,” she said.
The City confirmed it had been unable to remove some of the debris because it was stuck in the mud and planned to remove the rubbish in February or March when the mud had dried out.
Ms Armstrong, who frequently visits the park, called on other members of public to do the right thing and not hurt the environment.
“The impression from my neighbour is people don’t really have a dumping facility which is inexpensive, so they’ve kind of been doing it forever and people are inclined to do it because it’s a cheap way,” she said.
“For people who enjoy nature and birds and ducks, it would be better if something were done.”
People found guilty of illegally dumping rubbish can be fined up to $62,500 by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation under the Enviornmental Protection Act 1986.
The City encouraged anyone who witnessed illegal dumping to advise them on 1300 422 664.
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