Run-off warning

By Janine Little

REDLAND Shire council has warned it will issue more fines if builders persist in allowing building site sediment and slush to run-off into stormwater drains.

Council has focused on educating builders about the issue rather than issuing fines, but this may change.

Sediment, sand and slush run-off from building sites resulted in more than 140 complaints to council in the past seven months, according to figures collected by inspectors.

Out of 78 calls to the council from December to March about unacceptable materials running-off into local waterways, 24 resulted in Warning Notices and three in Infringement Notices and fines.

From 64 complaints received from April to June, 12 Warning Notices resulted in one Infringement Notice.

Redland Shire Council's policy of issuing Warning Notices to people found dumping building waste, sawdust, sand, Silt, Cement, mud, or rubbish in waterways feeding into Moreton Bay is one step removed from State Government moves to give on the spot fines to offenders.

Thornland Area Councillor Joe Ross, said the council was following a moratorium policy to try and educate local building developers about "best practice" for the environment.

"If that doesn't work... we'll start fining people polluting waterways" he said.

Council has joined a worldwide "Cities for Climate Protection" campaign aimed at strengthening its stand on environmental protection.

The State Government's Environment Protection Agency and Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 1997 authorises local councils to issue $240- $480 instant fines to offenders.

Bayside Bulletin 27 July 99

This page is maintained by

The Rivermouth Action Group Inc

E-mail: activist@rag.org.au

as a community service.