AN Armstrong Creek resident has been fined nearly $800 for discarding a lit cigarette from his car on Belmont’s Corio Street, despite not receiving a conviction.<\/p>\n
The case, which proceeded to the Geelong Magistrates’ Court, concluded with the individual pleading guilty.<\/p>\n
He was subsequently fined $500 and faced an additional $281 in legal costs.<\/p>\n
EPA Victoria initiated the fine after a report was made to their 24-hour pollution hotline by a witness.<\/p>\n
The environmental authority highlighted the significant issue of cigarette butts as the most prevalent form of litter, which not only pollute waterways and drains but pose a serious bushfire risk.<\/p>\n
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said bushfires did not only occur on high-risk days.<\/p>\n
“Careless disposal of smoking materials can quickly start a fire, especially in a high-risk area such as on a balcony, in a street bin or near grass and parklands.<\/p>\n
“It doesn’t have to be a hot or windy day for a fire to spread quickly and cause substantial damage.<\/p>\n
“Smokers must fully extinguish smoking materials and dispose of them in heavy, high-sided ashtrays to avoid starting a fire.”<\/p>\n
EPA manager of compliance programs Dan Hunt has previously highlighted the critical role the community plays in reporting littering.<\/p>\n
“Victorians don’t like litter, and as many offenders are discovering, it can cost you a lot more than the little bit of effort it takes to do the right thing,” Mr Hunt said.<\/p>\n
“Put out the cigarette and put it in a bin, or take it with you.”<\/p>\n
In the past financial year, Victorians submitted more than 27,000 pollution reports \u2013 double the number reported three years ago.<\/p>\n
The penalty for carelessly starting a fire during the Fire Danger Period can be more than $23,000 and two years’ imprisonment, or double that on Total Fire Ban days.<\/p>\n
The EPA urges the community to continue reporting pollution incidents through their hotline at 1300 372 842 or online.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AN Armstrong Creek resident has been fined nearly $800 for discarding a lit cigarette from his car on Belmont’s Corio Street, despite not receiving a conviction. The case, which proceeded to the Geelong Magistrates’ Court, concluded with the individual pleading guilty. He was subsequently fined $500 and faced an additional $281 in legal costs. EPA […]<\/p>\n