General News
18 November, 2025
Residents frustrated by rubbish dumping
Rubbish dumping in Maryborough's bushland has left residents concerned and disappointed.
Residents near bushland in Maryborough’s east have raised concerns about the prevalence of illegal dumping on nearby walking tracks, fearing the act is becoming more frequent.
A vacuum cleaner head, air mattress packaging, a CD player, a full set of plastic cups and a scratched DVD.
These are a handful of items appearing in piles throughout the bushland along Argyle Road, Maryborough, frequently discovered by bush walkers and their dogs, including nearby resident Laurie Cook, who is deeply disappointed.
“I’ve cleaned it up a couple of times but this is getting bigger. If they do it once and get away with it, they come back and do it again,” he said.
Like many other locals, Mr Cook often walks the tracks in the area, which continue as far as Flagstaff and Carisbrook.
He’s noticed the piles of waste are beyond casual littering, with residents finding deposits of broken household appliances and very large bags of landfill more often, discarded only walking distance from nearby roads.
Mr Cook is also concerned for nearby wildlife and kids who play in the area.
Worried these acts are becoming more frequent in other locations throughout the shire, he suggested a camera system similar to that of the bushland in Victoria’s Alpine region.
“I’d probably like to see more signage about no rubbish dumping. Hopefully some of the cameras they have in the bush now, something like that, because I think once the perpetrators are caught, it might deter others,” Mr Cook said.
A spokesperson from Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC) said the affected bushland is state-owned land, but are aware illegal dumping occurs throughout the shire.
“We know how much our community loves where we live and we ask that all people visiting our great outdoors take their litter to a bin,” they said.
“These parks are iconic to our region and we do our utmost to ensure our municipality looks its best for locals and visitors alike.”
With large deposits of waste spotted between nearby houses and Maryborough’s cemetery, Mr Cook agreed people should take better pride in where they live.
“The Maryborough Cemetery is one of the best looking cemeteries I’ve seen in my life, we need to show people care about where they live,” he said.
CGSC’s spokesperson said residents who witness illegal dumping should alert the relevant authorities.
“Anyone witnessing rubbish dumping or littering in a park or bushland should contact the Environmental Protection Authority on 1300 372 842 or online at www.epa.vic.gov.au,” they said.
“Residents can also report illegally dumped rubbish via www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/reportaproblem or by contacting council on 5461-0610.”
Mr Cook is still saddened by the issue, fearing it won’t go away unless residents hear his simple message.
“You shouldn’t be destroying the bush,” he said.