From town to eyesore

By Melissa Meehan
BROKEN televisions, micro-waves and computers are creating a mess in Pakenham.
Resident and business owner Michael Porter said he had noticed an increasing number of televisions, microwaves, computers and other general trash dumped around the town and added that people should take pride in the town instead of dumping unwanted goods.
“There are a couple of places around the town, there are some big branches on a nature strip in Racecourse Road, microwaves, televisions and a photocopier in Maria Crescent and lots of computers dumped near the aqueduct,” he said. “I think the branches were put there for hard waste, but because they weren’t in bundles they weren’t picked up.”
Mr Porter said some residents may have been putting waste on the front lawn in preparation for the council’s next hard waste collection – which, he added, wasn’t until May. “It makes the town look messy,” he said. “People should take responsibility to arrange to have goods taken to the tip or a recycling depot.”
Cardinia Shire’s Compliance manager Alan Giachin said illegal dumping of hard rubbish is a priority issue for Cardinia Shire Council.
“Dumped rubbish is unsightly and can be spread around by wind and scavengers,” Mr Giachin said. “It can cause pollution and a loss of council’s time and resources in the warning, collection and disposal process.”
He said once the council determined who dumped the rubbish it had the authority to issue an infringement notice.
The legislation is enforced under Environment Protection Act 1970 Section 45.
The infringement cost for a minor offence is $119, and for a more significant offence, it is $239.
Major rubbish dumps can be referred to court by the council and the maximum penalty is $5000. To report dumped rubbish call the council on 1300 787 624.