By Mitchell Clarke
A Pakenham resident has become fed up at a makeshift ‘dumping site’ on the Princes Highway outside Army Road.
It seems as though the thoroughfare opposite Star News’ headquarters has become a popular place for people to dump gravel and other products.
The resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims she has seen people from commercial businesses dumping waste at the site.
“It’s just lazy, and it really frustrates me,” she told the Gazette.
“There is no respect. This is our entrance to Pakenham from the east, it’s not a great look.”
Cardinia Shire Council’s General Manager Infrastructure and Environment Peter Benazic said the site adjacent to Army Road is located on a VicRoads thoroughfare.
“This is not a licenced transfer or waste site and it is illegal to dump any waste at this location,” Mr Benazic said.
“Cardinia Shire Council is assisting VicRoads to monitor this site for illegal dumping and VicRoads manages any reports and required clean ups at this location.”
Additionally, Council installed a commercial site surveillance camera for three months from late December 2018 as part of their dumped rubbish CCTV trial.
The trial was funded by Sustainability Victoria’s Litter and Illegal Dumping Grants program.
“Dumped rubbish signage was also installed and remains at the site to inform the community that it is illegal to dump at this location and to deter dumping behaviour,” Mr Benazic said.
“The program has reduced dumping events, captured footage of illegal dumping and informed the community of the Council’s dumped rubbish program.”
Rubbish which is dumped at a site that is not a licensed transfer station is cleared at cost by VicRoads.
Anyone who notices illegal dumping should report the incident to the EPA 24-hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842.
