A DUMPER has been fined $16,000 after Frankston Council took court action to prosecute the offender.
The offender was found guilty at Frankston Magistrates’ Court in June and mayor Cr Colin Hampton said the verdict should serve as a warning to anyone who does not dispose of litter properly.
“Council is committed to take a zero tolerance approach to illegal dumping. We established a Litter Enforcement Unit last year, who are tasked with educating the community about illegal dumping, enforcement issues and, if need be, we will take offenders to court,” Cr Hampton said.
The offender in the court case was found guilty of seven charges with conviction, having been found guilty of illegal dumping in Leawarra Parade, Ballam Park and McClelland College over the course of 48 hours.
“Last year, council received and investigated over 3,400 complaints about dumped waste across Frankston City,” the mayor said.
“Unfortunately, some people still do the wrong thing and dump rubbish, shopping trolleys and litter in our city, natural reserves and along roadsides.”
The mayor said most illegal dumping across Frankston contains household junk, which can instead be taken to the Frankston Regional Recycling and Recovery Centre on Harold Road in Skye.
“Our regional transfer station accepts furniture, green waste and mattresses. Some recyclable items like steel, TVs and paint tins are accepted at no cost.”
The Frankston Regional Recycling and Recovery Centre is open every day of the year, except Good Friday and Christmas Day, from 8am–4pm.
For details about the Frankston Regional Recycling and Recovery Centre, see frankston.vic.gov.au or call 1300 322 322.