Issue in the media – Message from the CEO

Published on 17 July 2024

Message from the CEO 

Over the past week there has been community interest and concern regarding a media story involving Frankston City Council. 

As CEO of Frankston City, I have been listening to our community and understand the concerns and would like to provide clarification.

Last year, Council received complaints from community members concerned about possible illegal works and rubbish fill dumping on a public road verge on Cranbourne-Frankston Road, Frankston.  

Our role in local government is heavily legislated and regulated, requiring matters of this nature to be dealt with by the organisation, without any involvement from our elected Mayor and Councillors. 

Council undertook a full investigation and found there was clear evidence of large-scale fill dumping and contamination in that fill, including concrete, general waste and piping. As a result, Council is obligated to administer and uphold the Victorian Government’s Environment Protection Act (2017) (the Act) and Environment Protection Regulations 2021 (the Regulations).

Illegal dumping of rubbish is a major issue across Victoria and brings with it high community interest and expectations.  In the past 12 months alone, complaints to Council about dumped rubbish have risen by 42 per cent, with almost 4,000 residents contacting us about many different types of dumping, ranging from building waste, hard rubbish, green waste (including soil) and hazardous waste. This is of particular concern where it is contaminated with material that creates environmental hazards and safety risks which the community is then exposed to. 

It is essential for Council to take a zero-tolerance approach to any illegally dumped rubbish, including fill.  This extends to works undertaken in a road reserve or public space without appropriate permits and safety measures.