The CLP Government is delivering on its commitment to restore our lifestyle by addressing the problem of illegal dumping in Alice Springs.
Illegal dumping of waste, such as broken fridges and washing machines, old tyres and mattresses, as well as household rubbish, is a significant and ongoing issue across the Territory, but it is particularly bad in Alice Springs, where reports of illegal dumping are increasing.
Operation: Don't be a Dumper is a comprehensive plan that will not only investigate the nature and scale of illegal dumping in the town but reduce the incidence of the offence.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said the program built on existing relationships with stakeholders to ensure resources were effectively combined to inform residents, and visitors, of the legal and convenient waste disposal options available.
"The CLP Government is committed to reducing crime, rebuilding the economy, and restoring the Territory lifestyle in Alice Springs. Focusing on the issue of illegal dumping is a big step forward in achieving these goals," he said.
"It's important to focus on stopping this desecration of our pristine environment and empower Territorians to take charge of making sure others do the same.
"We have put together a high-level working group, including Alice Springs Town Council, NT government departments, Arid Land Environment Group, Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation, Tangentyere Council and Central Land Council, to make sure DBAD puts a halt to illegal dumping.
"Data collation and intelligence gathering will help determine the nature, extent and cause of the problem, while prevention and deterrence measures are now in place.
"These include the installation of covert cameras in identified dumping 'hot spots' to target illegal dumpers with the aim of changing illegal dumping behaviour in the community."
Community clean-up days will be planned and managed by the working group and will provide an opportunity for the community to get involved to help make Alice Springs an even better place to live.
Operation: Don't be a Dumper includes a robust monitoring function to measure the effectiveness of the project and to ensure the measures put in place are subject to continuous improvement.
Mr Burgoyne reminded everyone that illegal dumping was a crime, and offenders can be fined $1,850 when caught.
"Alice Springs Town Council's waste management facility offers residents the opportunity to dump whitegoods for free on the first Saturday of each month so there is no reason to pollute our wonderful landscape," he said.
"I encourage you to report illegal dumpers on the NT EPA website Report pollution | NTEPA here or call the Pollution hotline on 1800 064 567.
