We are a group of young people from Ballarat who have witnessed first-hand the damaging effects of illegal dumping in our community. It pains us to see our beautiful town and it’s beautiful natural spaces ruined by piles of waste in public parks, along roadsides, and even near our homes. For too long, we have watched our environment degrade, and it has to stop now. We are calling for immediate action to address this pressing issue.

Illegal dumping is not just an eyesore; it has tangible consequences for the environment, public health and tourism to our area. Waste left inappropriately can lead to soil contamination, water pollution, and harm to local wildlife. Furthermore, it places a financial burden on the local government and therefore the taxpayers, as resources must be redirected to clean up dumped waste.

One major contributing factor to this growing problem is the HIGH COST OF TIP FEES.

Currently, many residents cannot afford to properly dispose of their waste, resulting in illegal dumping as the only alternative. The council has the say in the prices and by lowering the tip prices, or more accessibly pricing options for renters, people with concessions and we can provide equitable waste disposal options for all residents of Ballarat, encouraging responsible waste management.

We urge the Ballarat City Council to prioritize this issue by reviewing and reducing tip fees. By making waste disposal more affordable, we can discourage illegal dumping, protect our environment, and restore Ballarat to its former pristine state.

Please sign this petition to show your support for a cleaner and healthier Ballarat. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a sustainable future for our community.