Melbourne Water and the City of Casey are working together to inform and educate landowners in rural and farmland areas about the disposal of fill material onto local properties.
This includes the illegal dumping of soil, clay, rocks and debris onto low-lying areas without proper permits, which are considered to be serious issues.
Casey’s acting chief executive officer Jen Bednar said the council and Melbourne Water are concerned about the damaging effects of the unlawful disposal and dumping of fill.
“We are reminding farmers, private or public landowners – particularly in the south of Casey, including the areas of Pearcedale, Tooradin, Devon Meadows, Cannons Creek and parts of Clyde – that they must not accept fill material without appropriate permissions, as is often required under the planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Water Act 1989,” Ms Bednar said.
“Legal fill should come with proper permits and documentation, if you are unsure, it’s essential to verify the source and consult with council to ensure compliance with regulations; getting it wrong may make you liable to fines, prosecution and clean up.”
Melbourne Water executive general manager for service3 delivery, Sur Jackman warned that dumping landfill into a low-lying area can change the behaviour of floodwater as it moves through the landscape, which might expose communities downstream to an increased risk of flooding.
“Taking soil, clay, and rocks from construction sites may seem harmless, but can be full of petrochemicals, asbestos, and other contaminants you can’t see with the naked eye,” Ms Jackman said.
“Someone offering to pay you for dumping might be trying to avoid disposal requirements and landfill costs, this can end up costing landholders millions of dollars to remove.
“Floodwater from these sites can behave in unexpected ways as it moves through a landscape changed by illegal dumping and may have severe and unexpected consequences to downstream communities.”
Before accepting fill or undertaking any earthworks, landowners are encouraged to contact council to discuss changes to their property.
For more information, visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/illegal-fill-earthworks
