State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish has launched a survey to gather evidence of where rubbish is being dumped illegally along our roads and highways in a bid to get things tidied up.
Ms McLeish said she launched the survey so the community can point the State Government to the worst places of roadside rubbish dumping.
“Roadside rubbish is dumped too often, along roads right across the state.
“Piles are left for many months at a time, with some rubbish being blown around and eventually into waterways, creek and rivers, causing danger to wildlife and polluting their natural habitat.”
The Melba Highway is a perfect example of large rubbish piles being left on the highway for well over six months.
“People consistently raise this concern with me. They are embarrassed about the state of our surrounds. It is unsightly and bad for the environment.”
“This is the reason I launched the survey, so locals can voice their concerns to the State Government and let them know exactly where the worst spots are for rubbish dumping.”
In Parliament recently, Ms McLeish directly called on the Minister for Roads to ensure the Department of Transport and Planning receive the appropriate budget to make an ongoing effort to clean up our roadsides.
The Minister responded, “As there are many road maintenance demands at any time, work that has the greatest impact on improving public safety is given the highest priority.”
“Rubbish causing obstruction is dealt with immediately. Rubbish that does not impact road safety is scheduled for removal in line with the strategic prioritisation system.”
Ms McLeish said “The issue is so much more than one empty chip packet. It is large piles of building offcuts, rubble, mattresses, broken furniture, tyres, bags of clothes and rags, planks of wood, even washing machines.”
Have your say via the survey link: cindymcleish.com.au/survey/roadside-rubbish
