Shoalhaven City Council will use drones to find illegal rubbish dumping sites.
Drones will be used in the innovative programs in two ways – to find rubbish in bushland and then, to find access points for clean up.
Rangers Unit Manager Michael Jarman said that this is just another step to combat what is becoming a big issue in the Shoalhaven.
“Council is intending to use a qualified drone operator to locate illegal dumping in hard to reach, or out of the way areas,” Mr Jarman said.
“We believe this will aid the Ranger team with another tool to help locate rubbish.
“We already have a range of other tools such as boom gates and hidden cameras helping the team.
“Together with the investigation side of locating the offenders through technology, witnesses and other means, we are well on the way to ensure our Report Illegal Dumping program in the Shoalhaven eventually is only a preventative educational campaign, rather than a preventative, collection and investigation project.
“If the drone picks up other illegal activity then that will be investigated as well by the appropriate Council section or external agency.”
Funding for the program was provided under the Environment Protection Authority Southern Region Illegal Dumping Program with in-kind support from Council.
