During October, we were invited to present an update on the Hunter Central Coast Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Program 2022–27, funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), at the Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators Network (AELERT) NSW Environmental Regulators Gathering in Sydney.
Approximately 100 people attended in person and online, representing a wide range of NSW State and Commonwealth environmental regulatory agencies. Our presentation highlighted the great work of the 11 Hunter and Central Coast Councils to address the serious environmental issues at a local level. The day centred on collaboration, capacity building of staff skills, acquisition of covert surveillance equipment, data reporting, and intelligence sharing.
Illegal Dumping Patterns
The latest review of illegally dumped waste materials recorded on the EPAs database for the Hunter Central Coast, 2024 / 2025 financial year, shows an increase in reported incidents.
The numbers reflect the ongoing challenge of illegal dumping, while highlighting positive changes and behaviours:
- Communities are becoming more vigilant in protecting their neighbourhoods
- Council regulatory officers are using the database to investigate and track environmental impacts
- Through the Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Program, we have supported member councils with training in investigative interviewing, statement taking, and deploying cameras and equipment at known illegal dumping hotspots
You can help reduce illegal dumping by reporting it
View EPAs RIDonline data base https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/
Learn more about our RID program