An Environment Protection Authority program will use drones to build on the newly instated government’s illegal dumping strikeforce.

It’s estimated more than 350,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste such as concrete, timber and asbestos is illegally dumped throughout the state every year, posing risks to Victoria’s environment and economy.

Ballarat Councillor Belinda Coates praised the project, but said for rubbish dumping to stop there needed to be a greater focus on educating illegal litterers.

“It’s obviously an area where it has been difficult to get a  co-ordinated response. To see the EPA trying to do something like this is commendable,” Cr Coates said.

“It’ll help build a picture and help them to gather the data of where the problem spots are.”

“We know rubbish dumping in Ballarat is an ongoing problem. I support anything that acts as a deterrent to ensure consequence but also help gather intelligence.” 

Last financial year EPA issued 98 remedial notices to stop or clean up illegally dumped waste across the state, with the most issued in Victoria’s north-west, followed by the Melbourne metro and north-east regions. 

The drone program will help EPA officers investigate pollution reports on land which is difficult to reach by foot or vehicle.

EPA’s Illegal Dumping Strikeforce Program works to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals and companies who participate in large-scale dumping. 

 Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said dumping rubbish was an illegal activity that needed to be curbed.

“We know that areas with minimal visibility tend to be an attractive places for illegal dumping because offenders think no-one’s watching – but that’s all about to change,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

 The EPA warned illegal dumping could threaten wildlife and also lead to long-term contamination of land, waterways and groundwater.

If you see illegal rubbish report it to EPA on 1300 EPA VIC.