A Woodend mountain biker has expressed frustration after being shuffled between three state government agencies while trying to report illegal rubbish dumping in the Wombat State Forest.
Matthew Connor was appalled to discover several piles of bathroom and kitchen renovation waste dumped along forest tracks last month.
“A group of us know the bush very well, and we know of many such locations,” he said.
“The entire bathroom dumped on Gerry’s Track is what really made me want to raise awareness.”
Mr Connor said he and his friends had also discovered 20 drums of used motor oil, lounge suites and mattresses dumped throughout the forest.
The group has begun documenting sites by collecting photographs and recording locations.
Mr Connor reported the issue to the EPA but said he was directed elsewhere.
“I submitted a report to the EPA and their response instructed me to contact Parks (Parks VIctoria). I had already done that and was told to contact DEECA (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action). DEECA then referred me back to Parks,” he said.
“The respective jurisdictions are unclear and possibly ambiguous. As a result, it becomes ‘someone else’s problem’ – and ultimately mine.
“Perhaps the only practical solution is to clean it up myself and pay to dispose of it at the local tip.
“I’ll discuss this with my team of concerned citizens and taxpayers.”
A DEECA spokesperson said illegal dumping in state forests was a serious offence that could harm the environment, pollute waterways and damage wildlife habitat.
“To hold more illegal dumpers to account, the Victorian Government has boosted funding for the EPA to establish the Illegal Dumping Taskforce, which will increase surveillance and enforcement across Victoria,” the spokesperson said.
“Responsibility for clean-up activities sits with local and state government land managers.”
EPA North West Regional Manager Paul Ratajczyk said illegal waste dumping on public land was increasing across Victoria.
“We urge anyone who sees illegally dumped waste to report it to us,” he said.
“When we receive reports, we undertake an investigation to identify the polluter.
“Wherever possible, we identify those responsible and make them pay the cost of cleaning it up. If the polluter cannot be identified, the land manager is responsible for disposing of the waste.”
Illegal dumping can be reported to the EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or online through the EPA website.
Incidents in state forests can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or online.
Maximum penalties for dumping rubbish and littering on public land can exceed $3.95 million for businesses and $800,000 or five years’ imprisonment for individuals.
The EPA-led Illegal Dumping Taskforce has received $13 million in funding to strengthen surveillance and enforcement efforts across Victoria.
