Community members have expressed outrage after locating a significant amount of dumped waste in the Ironbarks.
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A variety of waste including baby car seats, prams, laundry baskets, sheets of corrugated metal and crushed cement sheets have been found along Bonnie Dundee Track in the Ironbarks.
David Francis is a member of cycling group Friends of the Grampians Rail Trail and one of the community members that came across the dumped waste. He and fellow cyclists regularly ride around the area where the rubbish was found.
He said it is disappointing to have come across such a significant amount in the one area.
“It isn’t a widespread problem, more just a substantial amount in an isolated area,” he said.
“It is very frustrating to see.”
Members of the group brought the issue up with police but were then directed to Northern Grampians Shire Council before being told Parks Victoria is responsible for the area.
“Unfortunately, rubbish dumping is an ongoing challenge for Park Rangers, who care for 4.1 million hectares of the state and 70 per cent of the coastline,” Parks Victoria ranger team leader Mike Stevens said.
Parts of the area where the concrete was dumped has been taped off by Parks Victoria, with concerns asbestos could be among it.
“After recently discovering housing material dumped in the reserve, we taped off the area for further investigation,” Mr Stevens said.
“It seems that someone has driven some distance to dump this material, which appears to be slate tiled flooring on cement sheeting.
“It will unfortunately take time and resources to clean-up this site which could have been better spent making park improvements for visitors to enjoy.
“Anyone with information about this incident should contact Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.”
Mr Francis said the issue of rubbish dumping seems to be getting worse.
“I have been riding around the area for about 20 years, it is just still ongoing,” he said.
“There is a lot of discussion about tip fees forcing people to dump but I think individuals just need to be more accountable for their own actions and think about the repercussions of what they do.
“It makes the area unsafe for visitors and of course has a detrimental impact on the environment.”
Offenders caught littering or dumping in a National or Forest Park could face a $317 on-the-spot fine or could also be prosecuted in court under Section 45E of the Environment Protection Act 1970, which carried a maximum penalty of $6,342.
