Parks Victoria Regional Director–Western Region Sally Lewis said littering was a major and ongoing problem for park rangers.

"Unfortunately, each year our park rangers have to clean-up tonnes of rubbish that is illegally dumped by people," she said.

“This rubbish is harmful to the environment, plants and animals, and is unsightly and potentially hazardous for visitors.”

The process of removing rubbish cost Parks Victoria around $1 million each year and diverts rangers’ time away from managing and improving the state’s parks and reserves, impacting the maintenance of facilities and implementation of conservation programs.

With more people out-and about in the warmer weather, park rangers hope the survey findings translate into more reports from the community.

Although new surveillance and identification techniques are being employed by Parks Victoria to identify rubbish dumpers, park visitors and neighbours remain an important source of information and deterrence.

“While some people may feel unsure or uncomfortable about reporting a litterer, this survey shows that the majority would act to help keep Victoria’s natural places clean and healthy," Ms Lewis said.

Penalties for people caught littering or dumping rubbish can include fines and prosecution resulting in convictions and even possible imprisonment.

Anyone witnessing rubbish dumping or littering in a park can call Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or the EPA Litter line on 1300 372 842, or alternatively download the EPA Report Litter app.

The findings come as Clean Up Australia Day approaches this Sunday, and Ararat Rural City Council is calling for volunteers to help combat the litter problem locally.

Council chief Dr Tim Harrison said the council supplies gloves and rubbish bags for volunteers.

“Clean Up Australia Day is a great Aussie tradition and we encourage anyone interested to come along and give the Council a hand to clean up Ararat and surrounds,” he said.

Volunteers can register at the Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre, 91 High Street, from 8am on Sunday, with the clean-up effort winding up at midday

“Volunteers return the collected bags of rubbish to the visitor centre so that Council can sort and dispose of those at our transfer station,” Dr Harrison said.

Dr Harrison said residents taking part should wear sturdy footwear, sun protection, and make sure they bring water and snacks along.

In separate but related news, the council is also making it easier for residents to offload waste at transfer stations, with two free visits available over March.

Dr Harrison said the waste vouchers allowed residents to dispose of one cubic metre of hard waste per visit, and that vouchers for the visits were available now at the council’s Ararat office and transfer stations.

Vouchers are available at: Council’s Ararat office at 59 Vincent Street; or transfer stations at Ararat, Lake Bolac, Elmhurst, Moyston, Pomonal, Tatyoon, Streatham and Willaura; and the council website.

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