Community-minded volunteers with Gunnible Landcare Group were shocked to discover several large dumps of household waste on banks of the Namoi River at Gunnedah.
The group was taking part in the annual Clean Up Australia Day event last weekend when the illegally dumped waste was located.
Group spokesperson Geoff Hood said about two to three loads of dumped items such as a household furniture, children’s toys and vehicle tyres were uncovered on the river’s northern bank.
Much of it was in areas surrounded by high vegetation.
On-the-spot fines of up to $7500 for individuals and $15,000 for corporations can be enforced for those caught illegal dumping.
Although frustrated with the river bank clean up, Mr Hood said the 2024 roadside collection had improved on previous years with fewer items collected this time.
More than a dozen Gunnible group members were involved on Sunday, who collected about four ute and trailer loads of garbage from the area.
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Waste Management Facility accepted the rubbish free of charge.
Founded by Ian Kiernan AO in 1990, Clean Up Australia Day is the nation’s largest community-based environmental event and more than 21 million Australians have participated since its inception.
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