Applications are open for the state government’s the new $8.5 million Illegal Dumping Clean-up Rebate Program.
The program will provide financial assistance to councils and other public land managers to help cover the costs of cleaning up illegally dumped waste.
It will cover up to 50 per cent of clean-up costs when efforts to trace the perpetrator and recover costs have been exhausted.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said illegal dumping was a big issue for public land managers across Victoria and the new rebate program would provide them with much needed support.
“We’ve listened to councils and land managers about the challenges and costs of dealing with illegal dumping,” Mr Dimopoulos said in launching the program on Tuesday.
“Too often councils and public land managers are left with a costly mess to clean up from the actions of wrong-doers – this rebate scheme provides support to help cover these costs and keep our suburbs and towns clean.”
In addition to the rebate program, the government has also allocated $13 million to ramp up surveillance, enforcement, and clean-up efforts through the Illegal Dumping Taskforce, led by the EPA.
“Rubbish dumping and littering on public land is illegal with a maximum penalty of $3,951,800 for businesses and $800,000 for individuals or five years imprisonment, or both,” Mr Dimopoulos warned.
All Victorians are encouraged to do their part in preventing illegal dumping by reporting any incidents to the EPA on 1300 372 842.
To find out more, visit: environment.vic.gov.au
