Hume council has endorsed the implementation of a variety of ‘Best Kept’ awards in a bid to combat illegal dumping around the municipality.
The recommendation came from Cr Naim Kurt as a positive, community-driven incentive to tackle one of Hume’s most frequently raised concerns: Illegal rubbish dumping.
Council said cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish costs it about $5 million a year.
The initiative would reportedly reward and celebrate residents, community groups, and businesses which “go above and beyond to create and maintain clean, attractive environments” according to a report to the 27 October council meeting..
The proposal follows council’s previous initiatives to tackle illegal waste dumping, such as its ‘Dob in a Dumper’ campaign – the active name-and-shame program for individuals and businesses found guilty of illegal dumping– as well as support from the state government through funding to support councils and public land managers to clean-up illegally dumped waste.
But Cr Kurt said they were “not enough” to tackle the problem.
“Enforcement alone isn’t enough. It’s time we also reward and recognise the many residents who do take pride in where they live and the neighbours who sweep their verges, care for their gardens and keep their streets looking beautiful,” Cr Kurt said.
Cr Ally Watson said the awards were a creative approach to the widespread issue.
“I think it’s great that we are looking at creative options. We need to celebrate where we live,” Cr Watson said.
The program includes plans to implement judging by a panel of independent experts from outside the Hume area, including representatives from National Landscape Associations, National Housing Design Associations, Heritage Associations, and council officers and councillors.
Cr Steve Gagen said he applauded the “positive reinforcement of good behaviour” to further drive the battle against illegal waste dumping.
The initiative also includes plans for potential high-profile awards events to be held annually, which would feature national ambassadors and media coverage to “showcase the most outstanding streets, neighbourhoods, and business districts”, according to the report.
The planned initiative will be reviewed by council officers and prepared for a report for council’s consideration in April.
