ILLEGAL dumping continues to plague the Redlands, costing ratepayers $115,000 to clean up in 2024, as the State Government funds a dedicated compliance officer to pursue offenders.
Redland City Council will receive $270,000 through the Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program to employ an Illegal Dumping Compliance Officer for three years.
The officer will focus on prevention, surveillance, compliance and enforcement, bolstering Council’s existing efforts to tackle rubbish dumped in bushland, on roadsides, near waterways and in public spaces.
The funding comes as recent Council figures show 399 requests for illegal dumping investigations were received in the 12 months to the end of April, 2026.
Council issued 20 infringement notices during that period.
Reports of illegal dumping increased in each financial year from 2022-23 to 2024-25, with Days Rd at Redland Bay, West Mount Cotton Rd at Sheldon and Avalon Rd at Sheldon among known repeat hotspots.
Council said dumping was also emerging as an issue in new development areas and around charity donation bins.
Green waste is the most dumped material in Redland City followed by soil and fill, and household waste.
State Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the conduct came at a cost to communities and the environment.
“Illegal dumping is a scourge on communities like the Redlands,” Mr Powell said.
“It damages our environment and leaves locals footing the bill to clean it up.
“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.”
The State funding forms part of a $13.7 million, three-year program supporting 52 Queensland councils to strengthen local illegal dumping responses.
Across Queensland, councils cleaned up more than 13,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste last year – equivalent to more than 1200 garbage truck loads.
State Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker said the Redlands funding followed a Council request for support.
“The Redlands has an extraordinary natural environment, and protecting it takes practical action,” Mrs Stoker said.
“Practical environmentalism means keeping rubbish out of our bushland, waterways and public spaces, catching the people responsible and making sure they are held accountable.”
Council already uses patrols and strategically placed surveillance cameras at dumping hotspots.
Residents can report illegal dumping to Council on 3829 8999 or through the Queensland Government’s online reporting form.
