Surveillance cameras to target illegal dumping

• Warning signs and surveillance cameras to be installed to help clamp down on illegal dumping in pine plantations and State forest north of Perth

Environment Minister Albert Jacob has announced the State Government is increasing monitoring operations within the Gnangara-Moore River State forest area north of Perth to help clamp down on people who illegally dump waste.

"The Warbrook Road area, which includes the Gnangara and Pinjar pine plantations, has long been subject to illegal rubbish dumping and the Department of Parks and Wildlife regularly undertakes clean-up operations to remove rubbish from the site," Mr Jacob said.

"The State Government will be clamping down on this by installing six motion sensing infrared cameras in the area by the end of the month. Warning signs will also be erected, advising people against using the site as a suburban rubbish tip.

"Earlier this year, officers removed more than 76 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish from an area north of Warbrook Road, at a cost of approximately $30,000.

"Illegal dumping is not only costly for the community and detrimental to the health of our environment, it also poses a threat to public safety. An example of this was the recent removal by Parks and Wildlife staff of hazardous asbestos waste from the site.

"Other items, such as car parts, household appliances, furniture, construction materials and green waste are also commonly dumped in the area. The people who engage in this type of illegal activity have a disregard for the community and their environment."

The use of cameras and surveillance is one of a number of tools used by investigators and the cameras are used in compliance with the Surveillance Devices Act 1998. 

The Minister said Parks and Wildlife would continue to work closely with the Department of Environment Regulation to improve monitoring and enforcement of illegal dumping regulations across large areas of the lands that it manages.

Fact File

• Parks and Wildlife manages Gnangara State forest, an area of 25,000 hectares

• Under the Litter Act 1979, the maximum fine for individuals convicted of illegal dumping is $5,000 and $10,000 for corporations. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 the maximum fine for individuals is $62,500 and $125,000 for businesses

Minister's office - 6552 5800