Illegally dumped cars, tyres and waste removed from site in Yerriyong

The NSW Government has completed a $119,000 project to stop illegal dumping, including the unlawful disposal of cars, tyres and other waste, on Crown land off Braidwood Road in Yerriyong on the state’s South Coast.

Crown Lands engaged the Soil Conservation Service to conduct a major clean-up, including removal of the dilapidated shells of 8 abandoned cars, 150 tyres, broken concrete and other miscellaneous waste that had been dumped off a cliff onto vegetation below.

The operation positioned a crane near the cliff’s edge to winch out the 22 tonnes of car wrecks and other waste and load it onto trucks for transportation to licensed waste management and recycling facilities.

An access gate was also constructed on the dirt track that leads to the cliff to restrict vehicle access to the site and stop further illegal dumping. Signage was installed at the site to inform the public of the change.

The project has restored the natural environment and will help prevent future illegal dumping which pollutes the area and encourages further anti-social behaviour.

If anyone sees illegal dumping occurring, they can report it to the Environment Protection Authority on its Report Illegal Dumping (RID) website or by calling its Environment Line on 131 555 with new maximum penalties applying.

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley said it takes a joint effort to combat illegal dumping.

“Tackling the illegal dumping that occurs in remote parts of our LGA is a collaborative effort of government agencies and we welcome the action taken by Crown Lands to help combat this particular hot spot of environmental vandalism,” Ms Findley said.

“We hope that clearing the waste and installing physical prohibitive measures will allow this part of Yerriyong bushland to rehabilitate and flourish.”

Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said Crown land is set aside for communities and to protect natural habitat and areas of cultural and historical significance.

“This project cleaned up the natural environment and will discourage anti-social behaviour by restricting further illegal dumping,” Mr Sullivan said.

“Illegal dumping is a selfish act that pollutes the environment, increases bushfire risk, attracts pests like rodents and is costly to manage. Hazardous materials can also impact human and animal health.”