Townsville is set for a major clean‑up, with the Crisafulli Government launching a new pilot program aimed at catching illegal dumpers in the act and restoring pride in local neighbourhoods.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with Townsville City Council, will fund night‑time patrols, targeted surveillance and increased enforcement across known dumping hotspots. The goal is to give Council the tools and resources it needs to stop offenders and keep public spaces clean.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell says illegal dumping has become a growing problem across the region, calling it “a blight on our environment and a slap in the face to every Queenslander who does the right thing.” He says the new program will put “boots on the ground and eyes on hotspots” to help catch offenders quickly.
Local MPs have welcomed the move, including Thuringowa MP Natalie Marr, who says residents have been trying to tackle the issue themselves for years. Mundingburra MP Janelle Poole says residents are fed up with rubbish being dumped on roadsides, public land and outside private properties.
The pilot will also support Council’s ongoing efforts, with Deputy Mayor Suzy Batkovic saying the funding will allow staff to operate at night—when many offenders try to avoid detection.
The program forms part of the government’s broader Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program, which aims to give councils across Queensland the support they need to tackle waste crime.
