Illegally dumped rubbish found on the Tasmanian Trail in Stoodley Forest has sparked outrage in the Kentish community.
Photos shared online of the discarded household waste have left locals appalled, with many pointing out the availability of free waste disposal for ratepayers at the nearby Sheffield transfer station.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has confirmed they are investigating the issue, identifying it as a ‘known hotspot for rubbish dumping’ on Sustainable Timber Tasmania land.
“The EPA is aware of illegal dumping in the Stoodley Forest area and officers from the environmental investigations team have recently attended the site to gather evidence that will assist in the identification of illegal dumping offenders,” an EPA spokesperson told The Advocate.
“Since November 2023, three Litter Infringement Notices were issued for dumping in the Stoodley area, totalling $3,300.”
Heavy fines up to $39,000 are available for perpetrators, with the EPA also able to issue Litter Abatement Notices that require offenders to clean up rubbish at their expense.
To deter people from outside the municipality from taking advantage of the free waste disposal service at the Sheffield Waste Transfer Station, Kentish residents must now present identification upon entry.
