The Queensland Government is investing a further $2 million to help councils tackle illegal dumping across the state.
The latest round of the Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program will support councils in preventing, monitoring and responding to illegal dumping – aided by compliance officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES).
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the results from the first round of the program spoke for themselves.
“The 27 participating councils achieved outstanding results including the removal of more than 17 million litres of waste from Queensland’s environment – the equivalent of 70,000 wheelie bins,” she said.
“More than 8,900 investigations were closed and a total of $1.3 million was issued in fines for offenders.”
Scanlon said the Queensland Government was now expanding the program to further local council areas across the state and encouraged councils who were not successful in the first round of funding to apply again.
“Illegal dumping affects communities and precious ecosystems across Queensland,” she said.
“That is why we are expanding this program to get more boots on the ground in the fight against illegal dumping across more Queensland communities.”
The latest round of the program will support training for compliance officers, boost the gathering of intelligence and data reporting, and establish a platform for neighbouring council collaboration.
Scanlon said different categories of funding are available to eligible councils depending on their needs.
“DES officers will work with councils to ensure they are getting the best out of the partnerships program, whether that’s providing support to gather illegal dumping intel or guiding more complex investigations,” she said.
Applications for eligible local councils are now open.
For more information, visit: www.qld.gov.au
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