John Prideaux is concerned about rubbish dumped on vacant blocks.
Camera IconJohn Prideaux is concerned about rubbish dumped on vacant blocks. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Dumping concerns

Staff ReporterNorth Coast Times

John Prideaux contacted the Times with concerns about building material, tree cuttings and general rubbish dumped on a vacant block in Maroochydore Way.

‘It’s a rubbish dump waiting to happen,’ he said.

‘I get rubbish in my yard every day.’

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Mr Prideaux said someone dumped tree cuttings on the verge a few weeks ago, a broken cage had been lying there for about 18 months and there was other building material dumped about three years ago.

Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said property owners were responsible for the appearance and condition of their vacant blocks but said residents could report illegal dumping to the City.

‘Residents are urged to report illegal dumping to the illegal dumping hotline on 1300 766 541 or the City’s rangers on 9405 5000 during office hours or 1300 138 393 after hours,’ she said.

‘If the dumping is witnessed, rangers should be contacted.’

Mrs Roberts said the City would write to property owners asking them to tidy up and if they failed to comply it could start legal action.

‘Rangers will investigate reports of illegal dumping and this may result in the offenders being issued with an infringement notice or prosecution,’ she said.

‘If the dumping is witnessed, rangers can issue a $200 infringement to the offender.

‘If the dumping is not witnessed, the City’s building compliance area can start prosecution on the property owner ” maximum penalty in a court of law is $5000, with daily penalties of $500.’

Mrs Roberts said people who saw illegal dumping could take note of when and where it occurred, a description of the offender, vehicle details and the type of litter, but should not put themselves at risk.