It comes as frustrated mayor Owen Hasler warns would-be dumpers they could face hefty fines once 10 surveillance cameras are installed at known hot spots in the coming months. 

The council is also now considering pledging a further $13,000 to meet the ongoing cost of cleaning up dumped junk – a criminal act that Cr Hasler believes has long put a blight on our otherwise “beautiful town”.

“It’s not our visitors raising the issue, but our local residents highlighting to council they want us to act,” he said.

Porcupine Reserve, Cushans Reserve, the travelling stock route on Wandobah Road and the zone surrounding Donnelly Fields are among the dumping hot spots on council’s radar.

Introduced fees to use the town tip and unrealistic costs to build fences and gates as a means of deterring dumping in these areas have only exacerbated the problem.

But in June last year, the council secured a $55,000 state government grant to combat illegal dumping, which has funded the 10 cameras. 

Cr Hasler said they would be erected once accompanying signage is complete. Just when that may be hinges on a decision to be made during tomorrow night’s council meeting. 

“I think it’s probably not unique to us,” Cr Hasler said. 

“(But) ever since council bought in charges to our waste management depot, it’s been worse.”

Council now plans on delivering a multi-faceted approach to curb illegal dumping through partnerships with Local Land Services, signage, community engagement and surveillance. 

“I have a very simple message,” Cr Hasler said. “Please respect our community, the work by individual residents and council to represent our community as best as possible.”

Councillors will decide whether to allocate the additional funds tomorrow night.