Call to clean up landmark

LOCALS have had enough of the illegal rubbish dumping at a nearby historical landmark and are calling on the Department of Transport and Planning to take action.

An online petition, which started last month, is calling on the authorities to ‘Save Djerriwarrh Creek and Bridge, Melton/Bacchus Marsh’.

In less than a month, the petition has gathered 342 signatures, with the goal of reaching 500.

Built in the 1850s, the bridge has become the site of a significant amount of dumping, with Bacchus Marsh resident Marit de Lange sharing her experience and photos of visiting the site regularly.

“I’ve visited every once in a couple of weeks or months in the past years, not too often because it’s so depressing with all the rubbish and illegal dumping,” she said.

“So many different items are dumped, from normal household rubbish in rubbish bags, to cars, clothing, shoes, furniture, electronic, cardboard boxes and more, even asbestos once.

“In the past few years I have witnessed regular dumping directly at the old bridge, and even from the bridge.”

Ms de Lange said it was odd to see these items dumped, considering that many can be dropped off for free at transfer stations.

“There is a lot of psychology behind this behaviour. I remember once reading some academic research that people dump simply because they can,” she said.

“There are no consequences, and for some it is just as easy to dump it somewhere as it is to drop it at a transfer station.”

Heritage Victoria has been notified of the dumping at the site and is looking into the dumping issue.

“The owners of the bridge have obligations under the Heritage Act 2017 in respect of its upkeep and maintenance,” a Heritage Victoria spokesperson said.

“The matter has been allocated to Heritage Victoria’s Investigation and Enforcement team to make further inquiries.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Planning said illegal dumping remains a challenge for the Department and local councils.

“We urge everyone to dispose of their rubbish in a responsible manner, and to be aware of the impact that roadside dumping can have on the surrounding environment,” the spokesperson said.

Illegal rubbish dumping can be reported to EPA Victoria by contacting 1300 372 842.