Oyster Cove Dumper Fined $100K in Port Stephen Guilt Verdict

An illegal dumping investigation that began in 2021 has culminated in a guilty verdict and a hefty fine for a local licenced asbestos removal business that dumped contaminated waste in local bushland at Oyster Cove

Port Stephens Council's Compliance Coordinator Marc Goodall said the verdict supports Council's strong stance against illegal dumping, where offenders will be penalised if they put the community and environment at risk.

"This decision proves how seriously we treat illegal dumping, taking action on even the smallest reports from our community," Mr. Goodall stated.

"This investigation started in 2021 when a vigilant member of the community reported the pile of waste they'd noticed in bushland at Oyster Cove.

"Over the past 2 years our rangers have worked tirelessly to investigate the alleged transportation and depositing of this construction and hazardous asbestos waste, at 4 separate locations in the area.

The dumped waste was made up of the debris and materials from the demolition of a residential building and included a significant amount of construction waste, timber, bricks, concrete, metals, tiles and asbestos.

"The actions of this licensed asbestos removal business – who chose to dump the waste instead of removing it to an appropriate waste facility – has put locals and the environment at risk, which is unacceptable," Mr Goodall added.

After significant investigations and a number of Notices and Orders issued under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, the matter was finalised on Thursday 24 August in Raymond Terrace Local Court.

The Offender was fined nearly $100,000 and given a Court Order to remove and appropriately dispose of the Waste within 14 days.

Council's investigations are ongoing and non-compliance with the Order will carry further enforcement action.