A man has been hit with a $2,670 fine after admitting to illegally dumping a trailer-load of household waste in the Beerburrum State Forest.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) began investigating after a vehicle towing a covered trailer was spotted entering the forest on 26 September. Witnesses later observed the same trailer leaving empty, prompting officers to inspect the area.
DETSI Executive Director of Waste and Enforcement Services, Jackie Mckeay, said officers quickly uncovered a pile of discarded household items dumped deep within the forest.
“Illegal dumping is not a victimless crime,” Ms Mckeay said. “Our officers located the waste, identified the person responsible and, following our investigation, the man admitted to the offence.”
She said illegal dumping poses a serious risk to Queensland’s natural areas and urged residents to report suspicious behaviour.
“Dumping causes significant and lasting damage to the environment. We rely on the community to report these incidents so we can protect our pristine forests and public spaces.”
Reports of illegal dumping can be lodged with local councils or via the state’s Litter and Illegal Dumping Online Reporting System.
Queenslanders are reminded that penalties for illegal dumping are severe. Individuals can face fines of up to $66,760 for dumping less than 2,500 litres of waste, while corporations risk penalties of up to $333,800. For larger volumes, maximum fines rise sharply to $166,900 for individuals and $834,500 for corporations.
