PARK RANGERS are encouraging people to continue to report litterers ahead of this year's Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday.
Rubbish dumping is an ongoing challenge for Parks Victoria's Rangers, who monitor and manage 4.1 million hectares of the state and 70 per cent of the coastline.
It is destructive to the environment and to both humans and wildlife as waste material can make its way into waterways, spread invasive weeds and be ingested by animals.
The cost of removing rubbish costs Parks Victoria around $1 million each year and impacts the maintenance of facilities and implementation of conservation programs to protect flora, fauna and historical and cultural sites.
Parks Victoria Regional Director for the Western Region, Sally Lewis, said although new surveillance techniques were employed by rangers to identify rubbish dumpers, park visitors remain an important source of information.
Any witnesses to rubbish dumping can call Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or the EPA Litter line on 1300 372 842. The EPA ‘Report Litter’ app is also available for download.
To view parks and reserves where clean-up activities are happening on March 3, visit www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au
