Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington is putting illegal dumpers on notice, with the Crisafulli Government funding dedicated Illegal Dumping Compliance Officers across the Nanango electorate to help protect local communities and the environment.

South Burnett Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council will each receive support through the program, which funds dedicated officers to identify illegal dumping, investigate incidents, build cases against offenders and help keep local communities clean.

Mrs Frecklington said the funding would deliver a stronger response to a problem that has frustrated local residents and ratepayers for too long.

“Illegal dumping has no place in our communities,” Deb said.

“For too long, our local communities have been treated as dumping grounds, with councils and ratepayers left to carry the burden of cleaning up someone else’s mess.”

“This funding will give councils the resources they need to identify offenders, take enforcement action and help keep our towns, roadsides and public spaces clean and safe for everyone.”

“This is about backing our councils, protecting our environment and ensuring those doing the wrong thing face the consequences,” said Deb.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said illegal dumping was a scourge on local communities across Queensland.

“Illegal dumping is a scourge on communities like the Nanango electorate. It damages our environment and leaves locals footing the bill to clean it up,” Minister Powell said.

“Queenslanders deserve to live in clean communities and enjoy the lifestyle that makes our State such a great place to live.

The initiative forms part of the Crisafulli Government’s $13.7 million investment over three years to support 52 Queensland councils in the fight against illegal dumping.

Across Queensland, councils cleaned up more than 13,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste last year, equivalent to more than 1,200 garbage truck loads.