A MORNINGTON tree-lopping business has been fined almost $7000 for illegally dumping truckloads of mulch and garden waste.
This comes after Mornington Peninsula and Frankston councils joined forces to prosecute the company at both the Dromana and Frankston magistrates’ courts.
Tree pruning and removal business Trim Up Tree Service, described as a “serial rubbish dumper”, was found guilty of dumping the waste at Mount Martha and Langwarrin.
A Mornington Peninsula Shire news release said the shire had a strong zero-tolerance approach to illegally dumped rubbish, successfully prosecuting 12 offenders this year resulting in fines of $12,000.
“Illegal dumping is a crime and can incur on-the-spot fines,” the release stated. “The councils will investigate all reported cases and prosecute dumpers with penalties of up to $9500.”
The council understands Trim Up Tree Service was paid by residents to clear their properties ahead of summer, so it was seeking to profit through income and by avoiding tip fees.
The shire is urging residents to prepare their properties in the lead-up to summer and during declared fire danger periods to reduce the number of potential fire hazards.
The shire’s fire management contractors’ list is available at: mornpen.vic.gov.au/fireprevention
Increased efforts to deter and penalise rubbish dumping on the peninsula include patrolling dumping hot spots; CCTV and covert; gates, fences and bollards to prevent access to parks and reserves; investigation of all dumping incidents; issuing infringement notices and referring serious matters for prosecution; and a Dob-in-a-Dumper campaign.
Report dumpers at mornpen.vic.gov.au/dobinadumper or via the Snap Send Solve app. Or, call Mornington Peninsula Shire Customer Service 1300 850 600.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 3 December 2019
