When residents in Moorabool Shire opened their rates notices this year, they likely didn't expect to see a hidden $25 charge for cleaning up someone else's toxic waste.
But that's exactly what happened after the council was forced to spend $500,000 removing illegally dumped acetylene cylinders, with each ratepayer footing part of the bill.
The case, which concluded in August 2025, has set a concerning precedent that could affect communities across Victoria—and it highlights a growing crisis that's hitting ratepayers hard.
In this article
What Happened in Merrimu
Moorabool Shire Council completed the clean-up of more than 1,000 empty dissolved acetylene cylinders on two truck trailers at Merrimu, near Bacchus Marsh. The cylinders had been sitting on private land since at least 2024, with the EPA having knowledge of the situation but taking no action until the waste was moved to council-managed land.
Mayor Paul Tatchell described the situation bluntly: 'While the EPA watched, Moorabool Shire stepped up to protect our community and clean up a mess we didn't make'.
The council fought the clean-up order through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), arguing it shouldn't be responsible for waste dumped on Crown land it manages on behalf of the State Government. However, VCAT ruled against the council last month.
'This decision really makes it a free-for-all for illegal dumpers across the state, at the expense of councils and the community'
The Hidden Danger in These Cylinders
While the original discovery focused on the fire risk from acetylene gas, there's another serious health concern that many people don't know about. These cylinders contain asbestos in their internal insulation, with recent testing by Australian laboratories finding chrysotile asbestos in cylinders imported from China.
The good news is that these cylinders don't pose a measurable health risk through normal use, but consumers should never perform maintenance, repairs or modifications on these cylinders that may disturb the parts containing asbestos.
The real danger comes during disposal. Used cylinders must not be cut open or their structural integrity compromised, unless under the direction of an asbestos professional. This is why proper disposal is so expensive—it requires specialist contractors with hazardous waste licenses.
Health Risks from Acetylene Cylinders
Acetylene cylinders contain a porous mass with asbestos potentially located at the neck and base. The acetylene gas is dissolved in acetone which is absorbed by the porous mass.
While safe during normal use, disposal requires professional handling due to asbestos contamination.
Victoria's Illegal Dumping Crisis
This isn't an isolated incident. Illegal dumping is a nationwide problem faced by councils and charity organisations, with numerous local and state government projects being funded to tackle the issue.
In Victoria specifically, councils are increasingly turning to technology to fight dumping. The City of Greater Geelong partnered with technology providers and by September 2024 had issued 26 infringements totalling $20,000 for dumping at one site alone.
The costs are staggering. Dumped rubbish removal currently costs the Moorabool Shire up to $80,000 annually to collect under normal circumstances—and that's before major incidents like the acetylene cylinder dumping.
The EPA warns that illegal dumping not only pollutes our environment and impacts our health, but dumped asbestos is a health risk to anyone exposed to the dust, long after it's cleared.
A Dangerous Precedent for Communities
What makes the Moorabool case so concerning is what it means for other councils and ratepayers. Mayor Tatchell warned: 'Based on this decision, if people generating harmful waste try to absolve themselves of responsibility by dumping it on council-managed or owned land, other councils would be responsible for the clean-up and are likely to get a big bill from the EPA just like us. This decision really makes it a free-for-all for illegal dumpers across the state'.
The financial impact is real. The $500,000 clean-up cost worked out to about $25 per ratepayer in Moorabool Shire—money that could have been spent on community services, road maintenance, or other local priorities.
Meanwhile, there are still concerns about what remains. Approximately 1,000 more cylinders remain on the adjacent private property, creating ongoing anxiety for residents about potential future dumping incidents.
What This Means for Ratepayers
- Illegal dumping costs are passed directly to ratepayers
- The Moorabool precedent may encourage more dumping on council land
- Communities bear the cost while perpetrators often escape consequences
- Prevention and early reporting are crucial to minimising costs
What You Can Do
Anyone can submit a pollution report online or call 1300 372 842 to alert authorities to illegal waste disposal. When reporting, don't approach someone who is dumping, but note anything that may help a future investigation. A number plate may be all that's needed. The person's appearance, the make and model of their vehicle or any other identifying features may also help.
The EPA takes action on every report of illegal waste dumping, and early intervention can prevent small problems becoming expensive clean-up operations.
For businesses, the penalties are severe. Illegal waste disposal is a crime that impacts health and threatens natural ecosystems, with maximum penalties reaching $3,951,800 for businesses or $800,000 and five years imprisonment for individuals.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The asbestos problem in acetylene cylinders was first discovered in 2020 when Australian NATA laboratories tested cylinders that had been certified as asbestos-free in China, but were found to contain chrysotile asbestos. This ongoing issue affects cylinders commonly used in welding operations across Australia.
The Road Ahead
Moorabool Shire is expanding its campaign against illegal dumping, with plans for a community education and awareness campaign addressing illegal dumping of rubbish, soil, chemicals and litter.
But the broader question remains: should ratepayers bear the cost when dangerous waste is dumped on public land, or should state agencies take more responsibility for prevention and clean-up?
While the tribunal suggested the EPA could share costs, this was discounted by the agency, leaving communities to wonder if they'll face similar bills in future.
What This Means For You
Have you noticed illegal dumping in your area? The Moorabool case shows how quickly illegal waste can become every ratepayer's problem. If you see suspicious dumping activity, don't hesitate to call 1300 372 842—early action could save your community thousands of dollars in clean-up costs.
How do you think the costs of clean-up should be shared between councils, state agencies and the community? Share your thoughts and experiences with illegal dumping in your area.
Original Article
https://au.news.yahoo.com/council-p...-late-night-roadside-discovery-071108195.html
Moorabool Shire burdened with $500k illegal waste cleanup | The Advocate—Hepburn | Hepburn, VIC
Cited text: Following the July 17 decision, Cr Tatchell said the clean-up would cost the Shire's ratepayers about $25 each.
Excerpt: the council was forced to spend $500,000 removing illegally dumped acetylene cylinders
https://www.hepburnadvocate.com.au/...ire-burdened-with-500k-illegal-waste-cleanup/
Moorabool Shire burdened with $500k illegal waste cleanup | The Courier | Ballarat, VIC
Cited text: Following the July 17 decision, Cr Tatchell said the clean-up would cost the Shire's ratepayers about $25 each.
Excerpt: the council was forced to spend $500,000 removing illegally dumped acetylene cylinders
https://www.thecourier.com.au/story...ire-burdened-with-500k-illegal-waste-cleanup/
Shire completes clean-up of illegally dumped industrial waste—The Moorabool News
Cited text: MOORABOOL Shire Council has completed the clean-up of industrial waste from a road reserve at Merrimu, near Bacchus Marsh. The clean-up of more than 1...
Excerpt: Moorabool Shire Council completed the clean-up of more than 1,000 empty dissolved acetylene cylinders on two truck trailers at Merrimu, near Bacchus Marsh
https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/themo...lean-up-of-illegally-dumped-industrial-waste/
Moorabool Shire burdened with $500k illegal waste cleanup | The Advocate—Hepburn | Hepburn, VIC
Cited text: File picture · This, the council said, was unfair, as the EPA had knowledge of the waste sitting on private land since at least 2024, but had not acte...
Excerpt: sitting on private land since at least 2024, with the EPA having knowledge of the situation but taking no action until the waste was moved to council-managed land
https://www.hepburnadvocate.com.au/...ire-burdened-with-500k-illegal-waste-cleanup/
Moorabool Shire burdened with $500k illegal waste cleanup | The Courier | Ballarat, VIC
Cited text: File picture · This, the council said, was unfair, as the EPA had knowledge of the waste sitting on private land since at least 2024, but had not acte...
Excerpt: sitting on private land since at least 2024, with the EPA having knowledge of the situation but taking no action until the waste was moved to council-managed land
https://www.thecourier.com.au/story...ire-burdened-with-500k-illegal-waste-cleanup/
Shire completes clean-up of illegally dumped industrial waste—The Moorabool News
Cited text: “While the EPA watched, Moorabool Shire stepped up to protect our community and clean up a mess we didn’t make,” Cr Tatchell said.
Excerpt: Mayor Paul Tatchell described the situation bluntly: 'While the EPA watched, Moorabool Shire stepped up to protect our community and clean up a mess we didn't make'
https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/themo...lean-up-of-illegally-dumped-industrial-waste/
Shire completes clean-up of illegally dumped industrial waste—The Moorabool News
Cited text: It challenged the order at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) last month on the basis that it should not be responsible for waste ...
Excerpt: VCAT ruled against the council last month
https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/themo...lean-up-of-illegally-dumped-industrial-waste/
Asbestos in Acetylene Cylinders | Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency
Cited text: The asbestos identified through tests relate to the internal insulation (porous mass) in the acetylene cylinders.
Excerpt: These cylinders contain asbestos in their internal insulation, with recent testing by Australian laboratories finding chrysotile asbestos in cylinders imported from China
https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/i...afety-alerts-and/asbestos-acetylene-cylinders
Asbestos in Acetylene Cylinders | Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency
Cited text: Another batch was tested in 2020 by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) laboratory In Australia and was found to contain chrysotile a...
Excerpt: These cylinders contain asbestos in their internal insulation, with recent testing by Australian laboratories finding chrysotile asbestos in cylinders imported from China
https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/i...afety-alerts-and/asbestos-acetylene-cylinders
Asbestos in Acetylene Cylinders | Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency
Cited text: Available information indicates that these cylinders do not pose a measurable health risk through normal consumptive use.
Excerpt: The good news is that these cylinders don't pose a measurable health risk through normal use
https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/i...afety-alerts-and/asbestos-acetylene-cylinders
Alert: Asbestos in acetylene cylinders | Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency
Cited text: Available information indicates that these cylinders do not pose a measurable health risk through normal use.
Excerpt: The good news is that these cylinders don't pose a measurable health risk through normal use
https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/i...nd-recalls/alert-asbestos-acetylene-cylinders
Asbestos in Acetylene Cylinders | Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency
Cited text: Consumers should not perform any maintenance, repairs or modifications on these cylinders.
Excerpt: consumers should never perform maintenance, repairs or modifications on these cylinders that may disturb the parts containing asbestos
https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/i...afety-alerts-and/asbestos-acetylene-cylinders
Alert: Asbestos in acetylene cylinders | Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency
Cited text: Consumers should not perform any maintenance, repairs or modifications on these cylinders that may disturb the parts containing asbestos.
Excerpt: consumers should never perform maintenance, repairs or modifications on these cylinders that may disturb the parts containing asbestos
https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/i...nd-recalls/alert-asbestos-acetylene-cylinders
Asbestos alert for acetylene cylinders—Australasian Mine Safety Journal
Cited text: Used cylinders must not be cut open or their structural integrity compromised, unless under the direction of an asbestos professional.
Excerpt: Used cylinders must not be cut open or their structural integrity compromised, unless under the direction of an asbestos professional
https://www.amsj.com.au/asbestos-alert-for-acetylene-cylinders/
Alert: Asbestos in acetylene cylinders | Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency
Cited text: It consists of a steel shell containing a porous mass, with the locations of possible asbestos being located at the neck and base of the cylinder. The...
Excerpt: Acetylene cylinders contain a porous mass with asbestos potentially located at the neck and base.
https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/i...nd-recalls/alert-asbestos-acetylene-cylinders
Illegal dumping crackdown—Waste Management Review
Cited text: The scourge of illegal dumping is a nationwide problem faced by councils and charity organisations. Numerous local and state government projects are b...
Excerpt: Illegal dumping is a nationwide problem faced by councils and charity organisations, with numerous local and state government projects being funded to tackle the issue
https://wastemanagementreview.com.au/illegal-dumping-crackdown/
Illegal dumping crackdown—Waste Management Review
Cited text: In January 2024, the City of Greater Geelong partnered with technology provider InnerVision Services to use technology to fight dumping across the loc...
Excerpt: councils are increasingly turning to technology to fight dumping. The City of Greater Geelong partnered with technology providers and by September 2024 had issued 26 infringements totalling $20,000 for dumping at one site alone
https://wastemanagementreview.com.au/illegal-dumping-crackdown/
Moorabool Shire Council | Draft Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030
Cited text: Dumped rubbish removal currently costs the Shire up to $80,000 annually to collect.
Excerpt: Dumped rubbish removal currently costs the Moorabool Shire up to $80,000 annually to collect
https://haveyoursay.moorabool.vic.gov.au/waste
Report illegal waste dumping | epa.vic.gov.au
Cited text: Illegal dumping pollutes our environment and impacts our health.
Excerpt: The EPA warns that illegal dumping not only pollutes our environment and impacts our health, but dumped asbestos is a health risk to anyone exposed to the dust, long after it's cleared
https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-illegal-waste-dumping
Report illegal waste dumping | epa.vic.gov.au
Cited text: For example: contamination from dumping can devastate local ecosystems and take years to remediate · dumped tyres are a fire hazard that put whole com...
Excerpt: The EPA warns that illegal dumping not only pollutes our environment and impacts our health, but dumped asbestos is a health risk to anyone exposed to the dust, long after it's cleared
https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-illegal-waste-dumping
Moorabool Shire burdened with $500k illegal waste cleanup | The Advocate—Hepburn | Hepburn, VIC
Cited text: 'Based on this decision, if people generating harmful waste try to absolve themselves of responsibility by dumping it on council-managed or owned land...
Excerpt: Mayor Tatchell warned: 'Based on this decision, if people generating harmful waste try to absolve themselves of responsibility by dumping it on council-managed or owned land, other councils would be responsible for the clean-up and are…
https://www.hepburnadvocate.com.au/...ire-burdened-with-500k-illegal-waste-cleanup/
Moorabool Shire burdened with $500k illegal waste cleanup | The Courier | Ballarat, VIC
Cited text: 'Based on this decision, if people generating harmful waste try to absolve themselves of responsibility by dumping it on council-managed or owned land...
Excerpt: Mayor Tatchell warned: 'Based on this decision, if people generating harmful waste try to absolve themselves of responsibility by dumping it on council-managed or owned land, other councils would be responsible for the clean-up and are…
https://www.thecourier.com.au/story...ire-burdened-with-500k-illegal-waste-cleanup/
Report illegal waste disposal | Environment Protection Authority Victoria
Cited text: Anyone can submit a pollution report online or call 1300 372 842 to alert us to illegal waste disposal.
Excerpt: Anyone can submit a pollution report online or call 1300 372 842 to alert authorities to illegal waste disposal
https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/illegal-waste-disposal
Illegal waste dumping | Environment Protection Authority Victoria
Cited text: Don’t approach someone who is dumping, but note anything that may help a future investigation. A number plate may be all that’s needed. The person’s a...
Excerpt: When reporting, don't approach someone who is dumping, but note anything that may help a future investigation.
https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/illegal-waste-dumping
Report illegal waste dumping | epa.vic.gov.au
Cited text: This undermines legitimate businesses that manage waste legally.
Excerpt: The EPA takes action on every report of illegal waste dumping
https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-illegal-waste-dumping
Illegal waste dumping | Environment Protection Authority Victoria
Cited text: We take action on every report of illegal waste dumping.
Excerpt: The EPA takes action on every report of illegal waste dumping
https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/illegal-waste-dumping
Report illegal waste disposal | Environment Protection Authority Victoria
Cited text: Illegal waste disposal is a crime. It is pollution that impacts our health and threatens our natural ecosystem.
Excerpt: Illegal waste disposal is a crime that impacts health and threatens natural ecosystems
https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/illegal-waste-disposal
Shire steps up illegal dumping efforts—Moorabool Shire Council meeting briefs—The Moorabool News
Cited text: Photo: FILE ... MOORABOOL Shire Council will expand its campaign against illegal dumping of rubbish in the municipality. Cr Steven Venditti-Taylor suc...
Excerpt: Moorabool Shire is expanding its campaign against illegal dumping, with plans for a community education and awareness campaign addressing illegal dumping of rubbish, soil, chemicals and litter
https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/themo...forts-moorabool-shire-council-meeting-briefs/
Shire steps up illegal dumping efforts—Moorabool Shire Council meeting briefs—The Moorabool News
Cited text: “We’ve got household waste, people moving soil with no permits, cutting down trees; we’ve got so many issues in this.” · His motion called on the Shir...
Excerpt: Moorabool Shire is expanding its campaign against illegal dumping, with plans for a community education and awareness campaign addressing illegal dumping of rubbish, soil, chemicals and litter
https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/themo...forts-moorabool-shire-council-meeting-briefs/
Shire completes clean-up of illegally dumped industrial waste—The Moorabool News
Cited text: Sharing the cost was suggested by the tribunal but was discounted by the EPA, which has also said investigations into the dumping are underway.
Excerpt: While the tribunal suggested the EPA could share costs, this was discounted by the agency
https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/themo...lean-up-of-illegally-dumped-industrial-waste/
Asbestos alert for acetylene cylinders—Australasian Mine Safety Journal
Cited text: While batch testing was conducted in China and an asbestos-free certificate issued, other batches tested in 2020 through a registered National Associa...
Excerpt: The asbestos problem in acetylene cylinders was first discovered in 2020 when Australian NATA laboratories tested cylinders that had been certified as asbestos-free in China, but were found to contain chrysotile asbestos
https://www.amsj.com.au/asbestos-alert-for-acetylene-cylinders/
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