ONEFORTYONE Plantations has raised alarm over a spate of rubbish dumping across the region, including hazardous asbestos material.
Illegal rubbish dumping in Green Triangle forests has been an ongoing problem for forest growers and the community for many years.
Whilst abandoned vehicles in forests during the summer fire season pose the greatest threat from a community protection perspective, OFO estate manager Andrew Matheson has been concerned by a step-up in recent illegal activity.
“We have had a number of incidents recently where asbestos and broken glass have been dumped in the forests and more worryingly on the outskirts of the forest bordering a local township,” he said.
Local residents are understandably concerned as well, with the forest grower working closely with the public and a local asbestos removal firm to clean up the mess.
“Our forests provide the community with a wonderful opportunity to take a walk through the trees, to explore and find rare ghost mushrooms and generally just reconnect with nature,” Mr Matheson said.
“Sadly, there are still a minority who think it’s acceptable to dump rubbish in these magnificent forests.
“This behaviour not only ruins the experience for everyone who uses the forest, but more importantly it is putting the safety of members of the public at risk.”
Whilst the company is looking at ways to identify those who choose to do the wrong thing via its network of surveillance cameras, OFO encouraged anyone who sees rubbish being dumped or finds discarded waste in the forests to contact the office.
“We will continue to work with the relevant authorities and the community to keep our precious forests clean and safe for everyone to enjoy today and for future generations,” Mr Matheson said.
