The City of Gosnells’ tough stance on illegal dumping is starting to pay off, with a second resident now prosecuted thanks to covert CCTV surveillance.
A 30-year-old Southern River man was fined $1,500 and ordered to pay $766 in court costs after being caught on camera dumping rubbish along Holmes Road, a well-known dumping hotspot. The offender failed to show up at the Armadale Magistrates Court on April 3, but was found guilty in his absence.
This follows the first successful prosecution in March, when a Huntingdale man was fined $800 for dumping household waste in the same area.
Mayor Terresa Lynes said these prosecutions show the City’s surveillance strategy is working.
“This is the second offender to be prosecuted for illegal dumping in the City of Gosnells in recent weeks, so it goes to show that our efforts to target illegal dumping are working – and that this practice has consequences,” she said.
“So, if you think you can get away with it, think again.”
The covert cameras, which were installed last month in areas notorious for illegal dumping, operate 24/7 and have already captured several offenders red-handed. These high-quality cameras were introduced to help address the $250,000 annual cost of cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish across the City.
At the time of the camera rollout, Mayor Lynes had said, “There is no excuse for illegal dumping – it’s a serious health hazard and an eyesore, and our community is fed up with it.”
Now, with two prosecutions complete, the City is actively pursuing three more offenders caught on camera, with 16 additional cases under investigation.
Penalties for illegal dumping remain steep; individuals can be fined up to $5,000, and businesses face penalties of up to $10,000.
The City is encouraging residents to stay vigilant. If you see someone dumping rubbish, try to safely record details such as the vehicle’s registration, type, and a description of the person involved. Dashcam footage or photos can also be sent to the City of Gosnells by calling 9397 3000.
