Not illegal dumping: A popular coastal spot on the Gold Coast has been turned into a makeshift dumpsite — and some residents reveal the real reason behind it
A major clean-up is under way at one of the Gold Coast’s most popular coastal spots after irate residents exposed piles of rubbish scattered through bushland.
City of Gold Coast staff attended The Spit on Wednesday after reports of household waste, old bedding and clothing being left in the area.
Video shared by residents showed rubbish strewn through the bush, prompting calls for council to clean up the site. Facebook/@CascadeGardens
Video shared by residents showed rubbish strewn through the bush, prompting calls for council to clean up the site.
But locals online have pushed back, arguing the rubbish comes from long-term homeless camps rather than illegal dumpers, with one resident calling out council for ignoring the root cause.
“This is not illegal dumping, these people have been living there for up to two years,” they wrote.
A local community page posted: “Stop calling this illegal dumping. This is not illegal dumping – it’s a result of illegal camping.
“Calling this ‘illegal dumping’ completely misrepresents what is happening at The Spit and across the Gold Coast.”
Another local wrote: “As a ratepayer in one of the most expensive cities to live in, this is absolutely disgusting.”
City of Gold Coast staff attended The Spit today after reports of household waste, old bedding and clothing being left in the area. Facebook/@CascadeGardens
Despite the community’s claims of illegal camping, council appears to have maintained its stance.
In a statement to nine.com.au, the council confirmed the dumping had been reported and crews were sent to the area today.
“Illegal dumping and littering costs ratepayers more than $7 million a year and has a negative impact on the community by looking untidy, posing a safety risk to people and wildlife and creating health issues,” a City of Gold Coast spokesperson said.
Division 10 councillor Darren Taylor also addressed the rubbish after residents raised concerns with him, saying their reports allowed council officers to investigate and organise a clean-up.
“Illegal dumping is unacceptable. It not only detracts from the beauty of our coastline but also poses risks to public safety, wildlife and the environment,” he said in a Facebook post.
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Council says it uses community education, investigations and CCTV as part of its efforts to deter illegal dumping.
People caught illegally dumping waste can be fined up to $3454, while corporations face penalties of up to $12,952.
Residents who find dumped rubbish are being urged to report it through the City of Gold Coast website or its Report a Problem app.
SOURCE: 9 NEWS
https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/qld/disgusting-locals-irate-after-bushland-turned-into-makeshift-dumpsite-20260826-p60rqw.html
