Major clean-up of land near Tweed Heads

The NSW Government has completed a major clean-up of land at a former Scout camp near Tweed Heads with more than 100 tonnes of materials and dumped waste removed.

Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) funded the $85,492 clean-up of the former Camp Wollumbin site at Bogangar, after squatters illegally inhabited the site leaving piles of waste and illegally erected structures.

The Soil Conservation Service was contracted to assist with the site cleanup. Items and waste removed included dumped cars and a caravan, 10 skip bins containing 40 tonnes of general waste, as well as structures including sheds and greenhouses.

Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said the site is now safe with the removal of debris and structures, and the risk to the environment reduced through the removal of the tonnes of waste.

“This major clean-up has restored the site to good health,” Mr Sullivan said.

“Squatting and building of unauthorised structures on reserves is illegal due to public health, safety and environmental concerns. It creates pollution and waste problems, poses bushfire risks from campfires, and impacts native vegetation.”

If anyone sees illegal dumping occurring on Crown land, they can report it to the Environment Protection Authority or by calling its Environment Line on 131 555 with penalties applying.