It's an ongoing eyesore that has been noticed by many Parkes residents, and the council is assuring people it is taking illegal dumping very seriously.
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At Tuesday's Parkes Shire Council meeting, the sudden surge in illegal dumping in the area behind the Parkes Hospital, with one councillor labelling it 'sickening'.
The lot, which is Crown Land, is bordered by the hospital, Newell Highway and Henderson Street and is a popular area for daily walkers.
When the Parkes Champion Post visited the lot, it was staggering to see the amount of rubbish, which included cars, fridges, microwaves and lawn mowers, in one particular dumping ground.
The council's director of planning and environment, Brendan Hayes, said it has been noted by his department, and at Tuesday's meeting indicated it's something the council have already poured significant resources into.
"Portions of land in and around the hospital have seen a misuse of land," he said.
"A site inspection was carried out last week and there is extensive amounts of commercial and domestic waste being dumped illegally.
"Previous attempts with both security cameras and patrols have made minimum impact, so the council is recommending some security with fencing, restricting access," said Mr Hayes.
Cr Ken McGrath is particularly passionate about cleaning up the mess in the area, and said removing it needed to be a priority for the council.
"It needs to be cleaned up and I would suggest that at the next Clean Up Australia day it should be our top priority," he said on Tuesday.
"We need to come up with some solution to clean it up...it is sickening and the stuff that is dumped there is appalling."
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Given the lot is Crown Land, the council will need the department's agreeance - but that is not expected to be an issue.
Brendan Hayes indicated the council is looking to fence the land with rural barbed wire fencing - with pedestrian access for daily walkers still available.
Given the trail cameras and ranger patrols have not seen much success in curbing the dumping, fencing was seen as the only option.
Expected to cost in the vicinity of $25,000, it has been justified for four main reasons:
- Will assist with control of illegal dumping
- Provides a positive environmental outcome with a safe recreation area for the town
- Cheaper than ongoing and long-term clean-up costs
- Will give more controlled access via secure access points
It's money that could be spent on other things to help our town though - so please make sure you dispose of your residential and commercial waste legally.
It will make our town better for everyone.
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