Almost 3000 illegally dumped rubber tyres were cleared from Kinglake National Park last month.
Parks Victoria employed a team of contractors to complete the task. The multiple piles of illegally dumped household waste were found by local rangers during the operation, highlighting a concerning rise in rubbish dumping throughout the park.
Just one example of the illegal activity across Victoria between January and August this year, Parks Victoria recorded more than 375 instances of rubbish dumping on public land, with last year’s period recorded at 304.
Parks Victoria informed that the highly involved process of removing rubbish costs Parks Victoria more than $1 million each year, diverting time and resources away from local rangers.
It also impacts the maintenance of facilities and implementation of conservation programs that protect plants, animals, and historical and cultural sites.
While Parks Victoria employs techniques to identify rubbish dumpers, park visitors and neighbours are also an important source of information and deterrence.
Anyone witnessing rubbish dumping or littering in a park is encouraged to call Parks Victoria on 131 963, the EPA Litter Line on 1300 372 842, or file a report via the EPA ‘Report Litter’ app.
Penalties for people caught littering or dumping rubbish include fines and prosecution, resulting in convictions and even possible imprisonment.
