Illegal Dumping in Golden Plains Shire
Golden Plains Shire is seeing a concerning rise in illegal dumping across multiple locations, with clean-up costs and staff resources placing an increasing burden on ratepayers.
Recent hotspots include Clarkes Road (Anakie), Pollocksford Road (Stonehaven), Butchers Road (Batesford), Inverleigh-Winchelsea Road (Inverleigh), and several roads across Bannockburn, Haddon, Meredith and Durdidwarrah — highlighting that this is a widespread issue, not isolated incidents.
In May alone, Council recorded 28 reports of illegal dumping — up from 16 in May 2025.
The materials being dumped are typically everyday items — household waste, mattresses, e-waste such as TVs and toys, tyres and construction debris — alongside more serious incidents involving hazardous materials.
These are items people are responsible for disposing of appropriately, yet they are being dumped illegally. This puts unnecessary pressure on Council resources, diverting funding away from other community priorities and leaving the broader community to cover the cost.
The financial impact is significant, recently:
• The removal of illegally dumped tyres along Butchers Road cost $720
• The removal and disposal of illegally dumped chemical drums cost $1,700 — nearly four times the annual waste management charge for a household.
• In addition to contractor costs, Council staff spend substantial time investigating and cleaning up dumping, diverting resources from other community priorities
• Mixed soil and construction waste dumped in Nicholls Road, Napoleons and Linton-Piggoreet Road, Piggoreet cost $5,275 to remove. Multiple stockpiles of soil dumped recently in Parkers Road, Sutherland Creek is estimated to cost $3,769 to remove.
Council is reinforcing the message, aligned with EPA Victoria guidance, that everyone has a responsibility to dispose of waste legally and safely. Dumping waste is not just irresponsible — it is illegal, and it comes at a real cost to the community.
Council is also encouraging residents to use local Resource Recovery Centres, with many items accepted either free or at low cost. For more information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ rokewood-resource-recovery-centre.
Come along to the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market
Community members and visitors are invited to enjoy a morning of fresh produce, local flavours and family-friendly entertainment at the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market on Saturday 4 July.
The market will be open from 9am to 1pm at the Bannockburn Heart, located on the corner of Milton and High Streets.
Showcasing the best of the region, the market features a diverse range of stalls offering locally
grown, farm-fresh produce, homemade foods, unique art, handmade homewares and ecofriendly products.
The market provides a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends to connect, shop and support local producers. Visitors can also enjoy live music, family entertainment, barista-made coffee and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pastries. For more information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov. au/community/farmers-market
Residents are encouraged to take part in the Cape Clear Emergency Preparedness Exercise on Saturday 11 July at the Cape Clear Recreation Reserve Hall.
The session will commence at 6pm and offers a practical, in-person opportunity for community members to build their knowledge and confidence in preparing for emergencies.
Emergencies can occur at any time, and being prepared plays a vital role in how communities respond and recover. This interactive exercise provides a safe and supportive environment to learn valuable skills and connect with neighbours and local services.
Participants will gain insight into the potential impacts of storms on the local area, learn how to make decisions under pressure, and explore ways to work effectively with others during an emergency. The session will also cover practical preparation tips to help households be better prepared.
The exercise is open to everyone, with refreshments provided.
Registrations are essential for this event. To register, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events.
