Ed Maher, chairman of Wagga Urban Landcare Group said he’s observed large dumps of waste at a number of Murrumbidgee river reserves.

“It’s something that we’ve been aware of for some time now… I’d say it’s an ongoing issue, Mr Maher said. 

“Flowerdale Lagoon is a particular area of concern.” 

He’s seen dumping around the Wiradjuri Reserve and ramps further out of town with easy vehicle access. 

“During holidays, people get stuck into renovation projects and then they’re looking for somewhere to unload their material,” he said. 

“There’s definitely been evidence of construction material being dumped by the banks.”

Wagga City Council is responsible for clearing illegally dumped waste from some riverside reserves, including Flowerdale Lagoon, where it held Clean Up Australia Day last year collecting 1500 bottles and cans. 

It has investigated 400 reports of illegal waste dumping in the Wagga Local Government Area in the past 12 months. 

“Council thanks the community for proactively reporting all incidents of dumped rubbish or littering for investigation through Report Illegal Dumping,” manager of environment and city compliance Mark Gardiner said. 

“Illegal dumping is an offence which can result in fines between $4000 and $250,000, and, more serious cases that lead to environmental harm can result in prison sentences.”

Despite the high number of illegal dumps, Mr Gardiner said Council have not observed a decrease in use of the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre over the past three months.

Mr Maher said Wagga Urban Landcare Group will continue to advocate for the importance of protecting the city’s natural habitats. 

“The Murrumbidgee is a key component in the identity of our city and just about anyone visiting Wagga will make a comment about beautiful it is,” he said. 

“We want to keep it that way.”