A zero tolerance approach introduced by Bankstown City Council has resulted in a reduction in the number of illegal dumpings.

In just 16 months, Council’s Environmental Protection Team (EPT) has issued 111 fines totalling $92,000.

Mayor of Bankstown, Councillor Khal Asfour, said Council has had enough.

“The majority of people seem to be able to adhere to the law in regards to disposing of materials, so we are coming down hard on those who don’t,” Mayor Asfour said.

In a recent case, officers caught an operator who removed around 60 tonne of demolition material from a large building site, which was then dumped at Beaufort Place at Chullora and Reservoir Road in Greenacre.

Mayor Asfour said a company which was responsible for the removal of the material was subsequently fined $10,000 under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act.

“This is one of the biggest fines we have slapped on a corporation,” Mayor Asfour said.

“Our Environmental Protection Team is using a number of methods to catch the culprits inclusing photographs and video surveillance.

“However, we are only as good as the initial information or tip-off received from vigilant members of the public.”

In another successful bust, a 36-year-old man from Sefton was fined $4,500 for allegedly dumping 21 cubic metres of commercial grade mulch in Rodd Street at Birrong and Edna Street in Bass Hill.

Mayor Asfour said when presented with the photographic evidence, the man admitted to the offences.

“Not one of these cases has been challenged in court due to the strength of the evidence gathered and presented,” Mayor Asfour said.

“This should be a warning to anyone thinking of disregarding our laws and the safety of our residents and ratepayers.”