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Litter law to clean
up litterbugs
Litterbugs will now be fined following the introduction of tough new litter laws that took effect on 1 February.
Minister for the Environment, Vicky Darling said the grace period had ended and people who littered or illegally dumped their rubbish could expect to be fined.
“Queenslanders are sick of litter and it’s time we clean up our act,” Ms Darling said.
“Those caught littering can face fines from $200 to $4,000 (if contested in court) and those illegally dumping rubbish will face fines from $1,600 to $100,000 (if contested in court).”
She said a new online reporting system on the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) website allowed people witnessing illegal littering to report it.
“We’ve given people time to adjust to the new system,” Ms Darling said.
“We received 386 reports of littering and illegal dumping and issued advisory notices to 299 people.
“It’s time to get tough on those that toss their rubbish into our parklands, creeks and public areas.”
She said the stricter penalties were introduced to encourage people to take responsibility for their rubbish and dispose of it thoughtfully and appropriately.
“Simply record what you saw, when and where, and note the vehicle registration and any other details about the vehicle you can provide, then complete the online form on the DERM website,” Ms Darling said.
The Minister also announced the creation of a taskforce to work alongside Councils throughout the State to combat littering.
“Clean up of littering and dumping often falls to Local Government ,” she said.
“Our taskforce will provide on the ground assistance with data collection, compliance and community education,” she said.
The litterbug reporting website could be accessed at this PS News link.
Edition 203, 9 February 2012
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