THE amount of rubbish dumped at Bendigo’s state forests is forcing Parks Victoria to add more resources to clean up the mess.
Mattresses, televisions and household furniture are continuing to clog parks around the region, Northern Goldfields acting district chief ranger David Major said.
Mr Major said it was an ongoing concern that had prompted more patrols to monitor the issue. He said it was frustrating for parks staff to use their time and resources clearing land of rubbish and unused tyres that were being disposed of.
“It’s been an issue for a long time and it’s an ongoing issue,” he said.
“It’s an element we wish we didn’t have to deal with because it diverts time and money that could be better spent on other environmental projects in our local parks.”
In 2012, Parks Victoria rangers issued more than 26 infringements and related notices around Bendigo.
The majority were in the Greater Bendigo National Park and the Bendigo Regional Park.
Whipstick ward councillor Peter Cox said he had seen an “alarming” amount of rubbish being dumped in Bendigo’s bushland.
He said most people did the right thing when it came to recycling, but too many were being careless and destructive by abandoning their rubbish.
“It looks disgusting when you walk through the bush and come across an old mattress or carpet, or TV,” he said.
“It demonstrates that the small number of people are not taking responsibility for their waste.”
Mr Major said he was hoping the community could help work together to help stamp out the issue.
“If we’re able to find information to identify the dumper, or owner of the damage, we can track them down that way,” he said. Under the litter provisions of the Environmental Protection Act, Parks Victoria officers can issue on-the-spot fines from $282 and offenders can be taken to court for more serious offences.
Illegal rubbish dumping can be reported to Parks Victoria by calling 13 19 63.
● Have you noticed a rise in rubbish dumped in your area? Contact the Bendigo Advertiser on 5434 4470.