Partnership Helps Tackle Illegal Dumping Across Livingstone Shire

Livingstone Shire Council has reaffirmed its strong partnership with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) through the Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program, working together to reduce illegal dumping across the region.

Last week, Council welcomed Senior Program Managers Deborah Wheate and Andrew Holloway, who visited the Shire to meet with Mayor Adam Belot and Development and Environment Committee Co-Chair Councillor Pat Eastwood to discuss the on-ground initiatives currently underway to manage illegal dumping.

Mayor Belot thanked the visiting State representatives for engaging directly with Council to better understand the local challenges being faced.

“There is no magic bullet when it comes to solving the issue of illegal dumping—it requires a multifaceted approach,” Mayor Belot said.

“That means measurement, reporting, compliance, enforcement, and education. We’re grateful for the support provided through this program, which has allowed us to increase our resourcing and improve our response to this ongoing issue.”

Since 2022, the Queensland Government has funded a full-time officer in Livingstone Shire dedicated to monitoring and managing illegal dumping activity, providing valuable support to frontline compliance and education efforts.

Senior Program Manager Deborah Wheate noted that Livingstone is one of 48 regional councils benefiting from the program.

“The challenges being experienced in Livingstone are common across Queensland, and that’s exactly what this program is designed to address,” Ms Wheate said.

“It enables councils to increase their capacity to respond to illegal dumping through additional local enforcement and community engagement.”

Development and Environment Committee Co-Chair Councillor Pat Eastwood said the volume of illegally dumped waste collected each year in Livingstone is significant, with approximately 200,000 litres of rubbish recovered annually – this is equivalent to around 900 household wheelie bins!

“Illegal dumping is not only unsightly, it’s costly and damaging to our environment,” Cr Eastwood said.

“We often see a spike during the cooler months, particularly around donation drop-off points like the back of Vinnies and the Salvos, as people clear out unwanted items from their homes.”

Council is encouraging all residents to remain vigilant and report instances of illegal dumping through Council’s Customer Service Centres or website. Every report helps Council take prompt action.

To report illegal dumping, contact Council’s Customer Service on 1300 790 919 or visit www.livingstone.qld.gov.au.