The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued a strong warning to illegal dumpers that it will not tolerate any material being illegal dumped in NSW’s national parks.
Executive Director of Park Operations at NPWS, Deon Rensberg called on park visitors to report illegal dumping to help protect the State’s national reserves.
“New surveillance cameras, signage, and barriers are being rolled out in hot spots to catch illegal dumpers,” Mr Rensberg said.
“Regional Illegal Dumping Squads (RIDs) will also be actively patrolling and investigating cases,” he said.
“National parks and public parklands should be vibrant natural spaces for families and friends to enjoy quality time in the outdoors.
Mr Rensberg said compliance efforts had been boosted by a recent NPWS study into illegal dumping, completed with the support of the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
He said the study identified problem areas; would make it easier to target and prevent dumpers; and highlighted the cost of dumping on the environment and community.
“Cleaning up after illegal dumpers costs hundreds of thousands of dollars – money that could be spent on conservation and park visitors,” he said.
“On top of the waste that is left behind, dumpers cut fencing, vandalise gates, and create illegal tracks in bushland to hide their waste.”
Mr Rensberg said new signs at parks and updated website messaging would make it easier for visitors to report illegal dumping incidents.
