David Campbell is fed up with illegal dumping in residential construction areas and is calling on the City of Gosnells to take action before the problem worsens.
Piles of sand, rubble, and building materials have been brought in and dumped illegally by unknown individuals, left scattered throughout the streets of a new development just off Corfield Street.
Campbell, a real estate agent from @Realty, believes not enough is being done to deter the dumping in the area.
“People are dumping there as they feel there’s no accountability,” he said.
“The dumping is hidden off the street where no one can see or get their number plate at this stage.”
On behalf of landowners, Campbell has lodged complaints with the City of Gosnells, and he is advocating for the installation of City CCTV cameras in the area, but no action has been taken as of yet.
“While the council may argue the waste is on private land and resist action, much of it originates on private property before spilling over onto public land and roads, which it has done now,” he said
“This area has very little public land, no parks or public parking. Only one house is currently under construction. It’s mainly empty residential property lots, so it’s easy to assume the dumping is happening on private land if you don’t inspect it closely.”
In an effort to combat illegal dumping, which costs the City of Gosnells over $250,000 annually, covert cameras were installed in secret locations across the city last year to help tackle the problem.
Speaking to The Examiner, Mayor Terresa Lynes confirmed the city had received two complaints about illegal dumping in the area off Corfield Street since land lots were released into private ownership.
Mayor Lynes said the city, at this stage, won’t be installing covert cameras there; however, they may consider taking alternative action.
“Maintenance and security of private property is the owner’s responsibility. CCTV on private property is also the responsibility of the owner,” she said.
“While the owner is responsible for their land, the City can take action against offenders under the Litter Act for unlawful dumping on private property. However, the identity of the offender, or a vehicle associated with the dumping, would be required to initiate an investigation.”
Campbell believes that if the waste isn’t removed by the city and costs flow onto homeowners, it could deter people from building in Gosnells.
“If illegal dumping continues within out-of-sight building developments and no action is taken, it could negatively impact the reputation of building in the area and influence future development decisions,” he said.
“People here who have bought homes are already facing delays due to wait times in the construction industry; now they potentially have to deal with additional setbacks and costs caused by illegal dumping.”
In response to these reputation concerns, Mayor Lynes doesn’t believe the issue will affect the appeal of building in the area.
“Illegal dumping on development sites and vacant land is not unique to the City of Gosnells and is unlikely to deter people from buying property and living in the area,” she said.
To help prevent illegal dumping, Mayor Lynes suggested some practical steps homeowners can take.
“Owners of vacant land should regularly inspect their property and remove rubbish as soon as possible, as this sends a message that waste does not belong there and may deter further dumping,” she said.
“If land is going to remain vacant for a considerable time, owners may consider physical barriers such as erecting a fence to keep offenders out.”
Those caught dumping rubbish can face fines of up to $5,000, while businesses or corporate entities may be fined as much as $10,000.
