A large amount of industrial waste dumped on a roadside south of Beveridge could cost ratepayers more than $30,000 to clean up.
Mitchell Shire Council is treating the material dumped in Donovans Lane, south of Beveridge, as asbestos and is calling on the community to help identify those responsible for dumping the rubbish.
Police and Environment Protection Authority Victoria have been notified, and the matter is being investigated.
An accredited removalist will clean up the site, and alternative access arrangements are in place for nearby properties.
Council will continue to monitor the site and take any extra action as needed.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said wet weather had helped to contain the pile, and it posed no threat to the community as long as it remained undisturbed.
“Incidents like this are a huge cost burden for council. This is unfair on our community, and we will be doing everything in our power to find the culprit,” he said.
“We’re disappointed that someone would do this in our local area and in our community.
“It not only has a huge monetary impact on council’s budget, but it impacts our environment and the health and safety of our residents and visitors.”
Cr Chisholm said illegal dumping would not be tolerated and offenders would be dealt with appropriately.
“Unfortunately, considering the isolated nature of the road in which it occurred, it is possible they will try this again, either on this site or in other places,” he said.
“We’re asking the community to be vigilant and take notice of anything unusual. If you see something that isn’t quite right, please report it.”
People with any information can call council on 5734 6200.
