Mark Jakins and Adam Spencer are dismayed that the rubbish, including |asbestos, is dumped illegally.
Camera IconMark Jakins and Adam Spencer are dismayed that the rubbish, including |asbestos, is dumped illegally. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

Illegal dumping in bush ‘beggars belief’

Staff ReporterWeekend Kwinana Courier

Medina resident Mark Jakins said some people were using bushland as their ‘personal dumping ground’.

‘There are some beautiful nature reserves, complete with flora and fauna, but a select few choose to dump rubbish there, which beggars belief,’ he said.

‘I am curious about what kind of person feels that native bush and reserves is to be used for their waste disposal.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

‘There is also a disturbing amount of asbestos found dumped in local bush.’

Mr Jakins believed the dumping could be partly attributed to people attempting to save money on tip fees and he urged the City of Kwinana to implement more warning signs as a form of deterrent.

Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said reasons people were illegally dumping waste included ‘ignorance, lack of community consideration and cost’.

‘The City has found that the greatest deterrents are increased security of reserves and covert surveillance of dumping hotspots.

‘The City has progressively fenced all of our bushland reserves and removes a significant amount of illegal dumping each year but only from the properties that it is responsible for,’ she said.

‘There are bushland areas within the City that are managed by State Government agencies and some are private property. Many are prone to dumping as they have not been secured by their respective managers.’

She said penalties ranged from $200 for littering a cigarette butt to $125,000 for illegal dumping.