The campaign includes TV advertisements running in November and December that focus on illegal dumping in bushland areas. It will also highlight the heavy fines that illegal dumpers face.

In May NSW Government penalty amounts were increased for some offences under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act.

Under these new provisions, Eurobodalla Shire Council officers can issue illegal dumpers with on-the-spot fines up to $4000 for individuals and up to $8000 for businesses.

Offences under the Act can reach fines up to $250,000 and possible jail time.

Mayor Lindsay Brown said illegal dumping caused damage to native bushland and ratepayers wore the considerable cost of cleaning it up.

“It is illegal to dump rubbish or litter but we see waste dumped in community areas such as our streets and footpaths, nature strips, reserves, parks, car parks and waterways and this threatens wildlife and our environmental health,” Cr Brown said.

“We provide many opportunities to help you responsibly manage your waste including annual kerbside and chemical collections and our three waste management facilities which offer free e-waste and other recycling services.”

If you witness or come across illegal dumping, please report it immediately to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) hotline on 131 555.

For more information about waste services in Eurobodalla visit www.esc.nsw.gov.au or phone 4474 1000.

The Southern Councils Group is made up of Eurobodalla, Bega, Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee and Wollongong councils.