Shocking behaviour outside clinic sparks nationwide outrage
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A community is left reeling after careless illegal dumping sparks widespread concern.
Authorities are seeking individuals captured on CCTV in connection with the incident.
The event has renewed discussions on the importance of environmental responsibility.
Nearly two years ago, these individuals were recorded dumping a significant amount of toxic asbestos in the driveway of two medical clinics.
The repercussions of this reckless behavior were immediate and severe.
Not only did the clinics incur a hefty $2500 bill to remove the hazardous material, but they also had to turn away 60 patients, disrupting critical medical services and potentially putting lives at risk.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Victoria re-released the footage this week to bring the perpetrators to justice and perhaps remind the public of the ongoing issue of illegal dumping.
The Australian public's response was one of outrage and disbelief.
Social media users expressed their disgust, with comments highlighting the selfishness and disregard for community safety.
EPA Victoria, in collaboration with the police, is investigating the incident, which they describe as having a 'targeted nature.'
This suggests that the act was not a random occurrence but a deliberate choice by the individuals involved.
The EPA spokesperson highlighted the alarming prevalence of illegal dumping, which is an environmental hazard and a significant financial burden costing the economy millions.
'(Illegal dumping) is pretty rife, and it’s costing millions,' they said.
During the 2022-23 financial year, Australia generated an estimated 75.6 million tonnes of waste, with over 32 million tonnes of building and demolition materials, including hazardous wastes like asbestos.
The rise in illegal dumping is attributed to individuals and companies looking to sidestep the costs and inconvenience associated with proper disposal.
The GEAR Group, an industry leader in asbestos management, estimated that properly disposing of the dumped load would cost the men around $18,000.
However, the penalties for illegal dumping far exceed this amount.
Individuals can face up to $2,000,000 in fines and/or seven years in prison for wilful offences and up to $1,000,000 and/or four years for negligent offences.
Corporations can be fined up to $10,000,000 for wilful offences and $4,000,000 for negligent ones.
These stringent penalties reflect the gravity of the crime and its potential impact on the environment and public health.
Governments and environmental agencies are urging Australians to be vigilant and report any instances of illegal dumping.
The community's role in identifying and reporting such acts is crucial in the fight against environmental crime.
If you recognise the individuals in the released video or have any information that could lead to their apprehension, you should contact the EPA's 24-hour hotline at 1300 372 842 or email [email protected].
Only through collective action and a shared commitment to our environment can we prevent such 'disgraceful' acts and ensure our communities' safety and well-being.
Have you witnessed any acts of illegal dumping in your area? What measures do you think could be taken to prevent such environmental crimes? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Authorities are seeking individuals captured on CCTV in connection with the incident.
The event has renewed discussions on the importance of environmental responsibility.
Nearly two years ago, these individuals were recorded dumping a significant amount of toxic asbestos in the driveway of two medical clinics.
The repercussions of this reckless behavior were immediate and severe.
Not only did the clinics incur a hefty $2500 bill to remove the hazardous material, but they also had to turn away 60 patients, disrupting critical medical services and potentially putting lives at risk.
Toxic asbestos material is suspected to have been illegally dumped outside Melbourne medical clinics by three people. Credit: Environment Protection Authority Victoria
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Victoria re-released the footage this week to bring the perpetrators to justice and perhaps remind the public of the ongoing issue of illegal dumping.
The Australian public's response was one of outrage and disbelief.
Social media users expressed their disgust, with comments highlighting the selfishness and disregard for community safety.
EPA Victoria, in collaboration with the police, is investigating the incident, which they describe as having a 'targeted nature.'
This suggests that the act was not a random occurrence but a deliberate choice by the individuals involved.
The EPA spokesperson highlighted the alarming prevalence of illegal dumping, which is an environmental hazard and a significant financial burden costing the economy millions.
'(Illegal dumping) is pretty rife, and it’s costing millions,' they said.
During the 2022-23 financial year, Australia generated an estimated 75.6 million tonnes of waste, with over 32 million tonnes of building and demolition materials, including hazardous wastes like asbestos.
The rise in illegal dumping is attributed to individuals and companies looking to sidestep the costs and inconvenience associated with proper disposal.
However, the penalties for illegal dumping far exceed this amount.
Individuals can face up to $2,000,000 in fines and/or seven years in prison for wilful offences and up to $1,000,000 and/or four years for negligent offences.
Corporations can be fined up to $10,000,000 for wilful offences and $4,000,000 for negligent ones.
These stringent penalties reflect the gravity of the crime and its potential impact on the environment and public health.
Governments and environmental agencies are urging Australians to be vigilant and report any instances of illegal dumping.
The community's role in identifying and reporting such acts is crucial in the fight against environmental crime.
If you recognise the individuals in the released video or have any information that could lead to their apprehension, you should contact the EPA's 24-hour hotline at 1300 372 842 or email [email protected].
Only through collective action and a shared commitment to our environment can we prevent such 'disgraceful' acts and ensure our communities' safety and well-being.
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