Recurrent illegal dumping near the northern entrance to Narrabri has been met with ire from local residents.
What started as an abandoned vehicle near the intersection of the Newell Highway and Killarney Gap Road has evolved into an act of vandalism and the dumping of household furniture and goods.
The rubbish is located on government-owned land, however, an agency is yet to take responsibility for the issue.
The Courier received multiple reports from concerned residents seeking urgent attention to the issue which has been described as an eyesore.
Initially, The Courier was advised by Crown Lands that the land in question was the responsibility of Local Land Services.
However, when The Courier sought a response from Local Land Services, this publication was advised that the land was the responsibility of Crown Lands.
Narrabri Shire Council has vowed to work with relevant government agencies to address the matter.
“North West Local Land Services has investigated the issue of illegal dumping currently occurring on the corner of Killarney Gap Road and Old Cemetery Road Narrabri, and have determined that North West Local Land Services does not currently manage the land on that site as it is currently falls under a Crown Lands licence,” a statement from Local Land Services read.
“North West Local Land Services has referred the issue to the responsible organisation.”
A Narrabri Shire Council spokesperson said staff have met with representatives of Local Land Services regarding an abandoned vehicle and other items on the TSR located on Killarney Gap Road.
“Challenges relating to abandoned vehicles and waste around the shire on different parcels of land is an ongoing conversation with various agencies including Crown Land, Transport for NSW, LLS, and Narrabri Shire Council,” a statement from council read.
“On this basis, council have suggested a multi-agency meeting with our Local Member to discuss potential solutions.”
In NSW, the Environment Protection Agency enforces strict laws relating to illegal dumping to ensure wrongdoers pay heavy penalties for potentially harming human health and the environment, and deter dumpers from repeating the offence.
On-the-spot fines for illegal dumping are $7500 for individuals, if issued by the EPA ($4000 otherwise) and $15,000 for corporations, if issued by the EPA ($8000 otherwise).
More serious dumping offences, including dumping material likely to harm the environment, boast higher fines and possible imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the offending.
Illegal dumping in Narrabri Shire can be reported to council by contacting 6799 6866 or lodging the information on council’s website.
Alternatively, the NSW EPA can be notified by phoning 131 555 or reporting online in the EPA’s RIDonline platform.
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