By Rose Astley
Kin Kin Bushcare have noted a number of rubbish piles have recently been dumped in the Keys Creek area, a site in which the community group have spent many hours restoring.
Community Group President for Kin Kin Bushcare John Mango said Kin Kin is generally a very clean area, with the tightknit community respecting the land and the work that is done to preserve Keys Creek.
It follows the events earlier this year when rubbish was found dumped and burned in the Noosa National Park.
In June Noosa Council announced that the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic has forced Council to defer the annual kerbside rubbish collection, a temporary decision that will be reassessed when the economy allows it, Mayor Clare Stewart said.
Earlier this year Noosa Council received a $50,000 government grant to improve surveillance capabilities to catch illegal dumpers.
Waste and Environmental Health Services Manager Wayne Schafer said the funding will help bolster Councils regular surveillance program.
Mr Schafer said officers regularly investigate illegal dumping when council is made aware of the location.
Mr Schafer said the most frustrating part of illegal dumping is that many of the items can actually be disposed of for free.
“We find that many of the items are either recyclable or can be dumped at the waste facility without any charge,” he said.
Council has noticed a slight spike in illegal dumping during COVID-19 and Mr Schafer is encouraging residents to report any activity to council as soon as possible.
“It’s a significant cost to clean up illegal dumping and these costs are borne by ratepayers, so we really need our community to be the eyes and ears,” Mr Schafer said.
