Report illegal rubbish dumping on TSRs

The Hume Livestock Health and Pest Authority is urging anyone who sees illegal activity on travelling stock reserves (TSRs) to contact their local LHPA ranger, following a recent dumping of asbestos on a TSR near Wagga.

Asbestos was found dumped on the Plum Pudding TSR south of Wagga, costing the Hume LHPA thousands of dollars to have it professionally removed.

Senior ranger for the Hume LHPA, Mark Luff says this is not the first time asbestos has been found discarded on one of the TSRs in the area.

"We have had problems in the past with people dumping rubbish, including asbestos, on TSRs around Wagga," Mr Luff said.

"Hume LHPA rangers and field staff have done an excellent job in keeping the TSRs free of rubbish but they have been instructed not to remove the rubbish when asbestos is involved.

"In these cases we have no choice but to employ professional contractors to remove the asbestos, which ends up costing ratepayers thousands of dollars."

Mr Luff is urging people to keep an eye out for any illegal activities on TSRs, including rubbish dumping, and to report any sightings to the local LHPA ranger.

"In some instances there may be witnesses who have seen suspicious activity on a TSR," Mr Luff said.

"If this is the case, please give your local ranger or LHPA office a call – it could assist us greatly in finding these criminals and ensuring that landholders’ rates are not being spent on cleaning up their rubbish."

Anyone found dumping rubbish on a TSR will be issued with a severe fine or prosecuted.

Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378