THE Department of Sustainability and Environment is upset about rubbish dumping in Wimmera bushland.
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Land for Wildlife extension officer Glenn Rudolph said the department, Parks Victoria and local government were all investigating the problem.
"People seem to be dumping rubbish onto public land around Stawell and Ararat, and to an extent around Horsham," he said.
"This issue has a serious impact on vegetation and wildlife, and can cause health issues."
Mr Rudolph said the problem was because people believed transfer station costs were too high.
"We see lots of things dumped, including asbestos, which costs a fair bit of money to remove, so people must think that dumping it is the easier and cheaper way," he said.
He said fines for illegal rubbish dumping were substantial.
"The smallest infringement for littering is $140, which can be as little as a cigarette butt," Mr Rudolph said.
"For more serious cases where people have left metal or glass or are putting rubbish in waterways, the fine can be up to $8460 and a month's imprisonment."
Mr Rudolph asked people to think twice before dumping rubbish.
"It actually affects other people in the community," he said.
"Our crews and council workers have to go out and clean up, which costs our organisations money."
He said people could report illegal dumping on 1300 372 842 or call their local government or land manager.
"We will follow up any information we receive and those fines will be pursued," he said.
Last week Horsham Plaza centre manager Allison Roberts blasted people for dumping carloads of rubbish in plaza rubbish skips.