Tougher Penalties for Rubbish Dumping

The people trashing our communities are leaving ratepayers with the bill. ACT will raise fines for illegal rubbish dumping to $1,000, and $2,000 for repeat offenders, to protect roadsides and rivers and make offenders think twice.

ACT will:

• Increase the infringement fee for illegal rubbish dumping from $400 to $1,000.

• Set fines of $2,000 for repeat offenders.

• Give courts the power to impose higher penalties for the most serious offences.

In our team's words:

ACT Rural Communities spokesperson Andrew Hoggard says:

“Illegal dumping is vandalism by another name. It's unfair on ratepayers, damaging to the environment, and shows a complete disregard for people who take pride in their communities.

“The current $400 penalty isn't cutting it. If you're prepared to dump rubbish beside a river, and leave someone else to deal with the mess, a slap on the wrist isn't much of a deterrent.”