Council receives funding boost to tackle illegal dumping
Published on 21 September 2026
Gympie Regional Council has received $295,000 in funding from the Queensland Government to strengthen efforts to tackle illegal dumping across the region.
The funding, provided through the Queensland Government’s Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program, will fund a dedicated Illegal Dumping Compliance Officer for another three years and strengthen Council’s surveillance and investigation of illegal dumping through the introduction of targeted night-time patrols in known hot spots.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the funding would build on Council’s existing efforts to tackle illegal dumping and protect the region’s environment.
“Illegal dumping continues to be a significant issue across our region, damaging our waterways, bushland and other natural areas and leaving ratepayers to cover the cost of cleaning it up,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“Since the start of this year, Council has received 235 illegal dumping complaints, resulting in more than 161 cubic metres of waste being removed from the environment and 27 infringement notices totalling more than $58,000 being issued.
“Our investigations show a lot of illegal dumping happens at night, when offenders may think they are less likely to be seen or caught, and this funding will allow us to increase surveillance and target known hot spots during these times.
“Securing this funding from the Queensland Government represents a significant saving for our community, allowing this dedicated role to continue for another three years without the additional cost being funded through rates revenue.
“I would like to thank the Queensland Government for this funding and its continued investment in helping us tackle illegal dumping across the Gympie region.”
Mayor Hartwig said Council would look to undertake another illegal dumping awareness campaign later this year following the success of ‘Dish the Dirt on Illegal Dumping’ in April.
“During a two-month campaign from 1 April to 31 May this year, residents reported 28 illegal dumping incidents to Council, which resulted in the removal of nearly 11 cubic metres of waste and more than $13,000 in fines being issued,” Mayor Hartwig said.
“We want to build on that success by continuing to encourage residents to report illegal dumping and reminding those doing the wrong thing that there are consequences.
“Unfortunately, some people continue to dump waste illegally despite safe and accessible disposal options being available through Council’s waste management facilities.
“If you see someone illegally dumping waste, I encourage you to ‘Dish the Dirt’ and report it to Council to help keep our region clean.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said illegal dumping was a scourge on local communities across Queensland.
“Illegal dumping is a scourge on communities like Gympie. It damages our environment and leaves locals footing the bill to clean it up,” Minister Powell said.
“Queenslanders deserve to live in clean communities and enjoy the lifestyle that makes our State such a great place to live.
“If you think you can dump rubbish in the bush, on the side of the road or in the community and get away with it, think again.”
Member for Gympie, Tony Perrett MP welcomed the funding as part of a major statewide push to stamp out illegal dumping.
"Last year alone councils cleared more than 13,000 tonnes of dumped waste, the equivalent to more than 1,200 garbage truck loads, and that mess lands on ratepayers," Mr Perrett said.
"We know most illegal dumping happens after dark, which is why we are backing Council's plan to target night-time patrols in known hot spots. Offenders can no longer count on the cover of darkness."
"This funding sends a clear message. If you dump your rubbish illegally in our region, there is now a far greater chance you will be caught and held to account."
Mr Perrett concluded by congratulating the Gympie Regional Council for taking steps to crack down on illegal dumping across the region.
Residents can report illegal dumping to Council by calling 1300 307 800 or through Council’s website.
To find out more: Illegal Dumping | Gympie Regional Council
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