Queensland Funds $13.7 Million Crackdown on Illegal Dumping Across 52 Councils

The Queensland Government has committed $13.7 million over three years to help 52 councils fight illegal dumping, funding new surveillance technology, dedicated compliance officers and night-time patrols in known hotspots.

What Happened

Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell announced the funding this week through the Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program. The program supports 52 councils across the state, from Cape York to the Gold Coast, with individual allocations varying by council, for example Townsville, Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg are each receiving $270,000.

Why It Matters

Queensland councils cleaned up 13,107 tonnes of illegally dumped waste in the past year, more than 1,200 garbage truck loads. Illegal dumping affects local amenity and, in known hotspots, can affect how a neighbourhood looks and feels. Minister Powell said illegal dumping damages communities and leaves ratepayers to cover substantial clean-up costs.

Who Is Affected

Residents of the 52 participating council areas, particularly anyone living near a known illegal dumping hotspot. The funding is separate from an earlier $17.7 million round of the same program announced in January 2026, so residents should not assume this is a repeat of that earlier announcement.

What to Do / What to Watch

Residents can report illegal dumping directly to their local council. Watch for new surveillance signage and night-time patrols appearing in known dumping hotspots as councils roll out the funded equipment and compliance officers over the coming months.

Official Source / Verification

This article is based on Queensland Government reporting on the Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program funding announcement, current as at 9 September 2026, drawing on statements attributed to Minister Andrew Powell and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

This article is general information only. Contact your local council directly to report illegal dumping or to check what surveillance and compliance measures apply in your area.