New measures to combat litter

• October 12, 2008
• Politics and Council
• Editor

Council is hoping new State Government litter laws will help reduce the amount of debris and rubbish ending up in our region’s parks, waterways, highways and roadsides.

Mayor Allan Sutherland said the vast majority of Moreton Bay residents did the right thing with their rubbish and were committed to preserving the “clean and green” image that draws people to the region.

"However, new laws now allow council officers to play a greater role when it comes to litter issues – including motorists who throw items from vehicles," he said.

Cr Sutherland said council’s authorised officers could also issue ‘clean up direction notices’ to people dumping waste illegally.

"Previously councils had no powers in this area," he said.

"Under the new laws, council now has a say in how the waste is to be disposed and can help ensure the person responsible does not cause a cost burden to ratepayers."

Cr Sutherland said council infringement notices could also be issued for dangerous littering, which includes throwing a lit cigarette into dry grass or smashing a glass bottle in a children’s playground.

“Statistics indicate that fires caused by cigarette butts cost Australia $80 million every year,” he said.

Cr Sutherland said litter was the most visual form of pollution and was a problem throughout Queensland, particularly along our highways and roads.

“Litter looks unsightly, and can attract other forms of anti-social behaviour such as graffiti and vandalism.  Given our proximity to Moreton Bay, litter can also harm marine wildlife,” he said.