Two Geeveston men have been slapped with fines totalling $4,400 after allegedly dumping a significant amount of waste in a local streamside reserve.
The men, aged 39 and 66, will each receive a $2,200 infringement notice following the incident where they allegedly dumped more than two cubic metres of rubbish in a state reserve forest area.
Sergeant Simon Ward from Huonville Police said investigations into other illegal dumping reports in the area are ongoing.
“Illegal rubbish dumping will not be tolerated, and I ask anyone with information into the matters to contact Huonville Police on 131 444 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania,” Ward said.
The incident has highlighted growing concerns about illegal waste disposal on protected land, with authorities warning of severe consequences for offenders.
Stephen Rymer, Assistant General Manager Operations at Sustainable Timber Tasmania, said the penalties demonstrate the seriousness of the offence.
“This is a strong demonstration that illegal rubbish dumping on Permanent Timber Production Zone land is a serious offence and offenders will be prosecuted,” Rymer said.
“Illegal dumping of rubbish is a major concern for Sustainable Timber Tasmania, costing tens of thousands of dollars each year in time, resources, and clean up and has significant environmental, economic, and safety impacts,” Rymer added.
Authorities are encouraging the public to report littering incidents to the Environmental Protection Authority via epa.gov.au or by calling 1300 135 513.
