The fight against illegal dumping in the Hunter has been given boost worth more than a quarter of a million dollars.
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The state government has earmarked $264,418 for surveillance cameras and dumping prevention programs across the Cessnock local government area.
It comes after multiple reports in recent months that piles of household and industrial waste had been discarded at different hot spots across the region – including 30 tonnes at the Hunter Economic Zone, near Kurri Kurri.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said Cessnock City Council would receive $102,118 for the Cessnock Illegal Dumping Clean Up and Prevention Program.
He also said National Parks and Wildlife Service would get $12,300 to install visible surveillance cameras at Mount Sugarloaf Road as well as $150,000 to expand its illegal dumping prevention program in the Stockrington State Conservation Area.
“The funding grant was awarded to help clean up efforts, upgrade security such as fences and gates and install surveillance equipment and signage to deter and identify offenders,” Mr MacDonald said.
“These grants support councils, public land managers and community groups to identify local illegal dumping hot spots and implement clean-up and prevention measures.”
Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said the money would help introduce a variety of measures to stop people doing the wrong thing.
“We know this has been a hot spot for illegal dumping, and it is critical we address it to ensure the endangered ecological communities in the area are protected,” he said.