Shoalhaven Council has recently restricted vehicle access to Garrad Reserve, which backs onto Narrawallee Inlet, following illegal dumping in the area. 

Shoalhaven Council ranger Phil McNeice said signage, cabling, boulders and gates were installed in the reserve and other areas in the region. 

“Environmental Protection Authority funded infrastructure is now in the process of being installed at Sussex Inlet, Bendalong, Ulladulla and Woodburn,” he said. 

“Infrastructure, together with use of remote surveillance cameras and patrols by rangers is a proven deterrent to illegal dumping and other environmental type offences such as tree felling, removal of bush rock and interference with threatened species of flora.”

Mr McNeice said rangers patrolled the area “several times a week”. He said rangers were yet to fine anyone in relation to the Narrawallee dumping. 

“A ranger will inspect the location,” Mr McNeice said. 

“If no evidence is located, rangers will facilitate the removal of the lounges and arrange for repairs to the gate if it has been compromised.

“If the person responsible could be identified, in all likelihood a $2,000 penalty notice would be issued plus removal of the lounges.”

Since July 1, 2016, ranger have investigated over 500 illegal dumping incidents throughout the Shoalhaven.

Penalties for illegal dumping range from $250 to $1 million for the most serious offence.  

“Specifically,  are deliberate large scale illegal dumping incidents of a commercial nature causing contamination of land,” Mr McNeice said.

“Thankfully we haven’t had that type of offence. Repeat offenders can be sentenced to a term of imprisonment.

“Typically, rangers from Shoalhaven Council issue penalty notices ranging from $250 to $4,000.”

Mr McNeice said people caught illegal dumping were responsible for the clean up of the site and had to provide proof the litter was disposed of lawfully at a ware facility. 

“The State Government has set a target to reduce the incidents of illegal dumping and littering by 40 per cent by 2020,” he said.

“Shoalhaven Council rangers are working collaboratively with other public land managers so there is a consistent approach to these issues across the entire Shoalhaven.

“While there are large penalties involved in illegal dumping in particular, rangers are seeking voluntary compliance.”

People who witness illegal dumping and wish to report it can do so by:

Information to know when reporting an incident is; the exact location of the incident, the colour, make, model or registration or any vehicle seen and a description of the person/people involved.