26 August 2020

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: 3 Waters Reforms MOU

Enquiry

In reference to the 3 Waters Reforms MOU discussed during the full Council hui today:

Just after a clarification - I understand Geoff just said the MOU with DIA was signed before the meeting - is it usual to sign an MOU before it being voted on by the council? What role does the council's approval play if it is after the action?

I may have misunderstood what he meant when he said that so if you can clarify I would appreciate that.

Response

From Chief Executive, Geoff Williams:

This is a non-binding agreement about which it was important to give the Government notice of Council's intent by way of signing an MOU. Elected members gave strong and unanimous support for Rotorua Lakes Council to be involved in the 3 Waters Reforms discussions at SP&F and if they had today reversed their previous support, we would simply withdraw. ________________________________________________________________________________________

Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)

Topic: Illegal dumping

Enquiry

I'm working on a story regarding flytipping after having heard of an apparent increase in this since Covid-19.

Please note I have already spoken with BOPRC and I'm aware of potential double ups in the reports with redirected complaints. I would still like to ask the questions below relating to each territorial authority, as each of you will be able to address the land-based dumpings.

Can we please find out:

• how many reports of illegal rubbish dumpings have there been each month so far this year and each month of last year? And what were the locations of these dumpings?
• what are among some of the most common, and also most strange of bizarre, items that have been dumped?
• What concerns, if any, have been prompted by recent dumpings?
• how much money has been spent on cleaning up or disposing of rubbish collected from illegal dumpings? (approximate costs, will be fine, i.e how much it costs ratepayers per complaint to have staff physically respond to a report, plus disposal fees)

Response

From Council's Solid Waste and Sustainability Manager, Prashant Praveen:

Illegal dumping fluctuates from year to year, as well as throughout the year due to season change and people's activity during this time. Therefore, it is difficult to ascertain if COVID-19 has had an effect on illegal dumping.

During the 2018/19 financial year, we received 575 reports of illegal dumping and clean up costs were over $70,000.

During the 2019/2020 financial year, we received 688 reports of illegal dumping and clean up costs were approx. $80,000.

2019/20 financial year - number of illegal dumpings recorded by RLC within the district:

July - 46

August - 37

September - 48

October - 40

November - 55

December - 52

January - 69

February - 61

March - 76

April - 42

May - 81

June - 81

TOTAL: 688

for your information only:

A monthly breakdown of the 2018/2019 financial year's data is not currently available and would require more time to collate.

What were the locations of these dumpings?

There are illegal dumping 'hot spots' in both urban and rural neighbourhoods. While the majority of illegal dumping takes place in urban areas, typically larger dumping cases occur in rural areas. Council uses preventative measures such as reducing the surrounding vegetation, installing CCTV cameras, signage, public rubbish bins or working alongside the community to implement strategies to reduce the likelihood of dumping.

What are among some of the most common, and also most strange or bizarre, items that have been dumped?

The most commonly dumped items are bags of household waste, which could have been appropriately disposed of in a wheelie bin, as well as building materials, old furniture and mattresses.

Occasionally contractors will come across a dead animal, or animal carcass.

Illegal dumping is a community problem and people need to take personal responsibility for doing the right thing when it comes to disposing of the waste they generate.

Residents are encouraged to look for alternatives to dumping, such as scrap metal yards, second hand stores if the items are still in good condition, or sharing trailers and the cost of taking it to landfill. Asking friends, neighbours or other whanau if they have space in their wheelie bin is also another good option.

What concerns, if any, have been prompted by recent dumpings?

Illegal dumping is always concerning and disappointing. It's harmful to both the environment and the reputation of our city. When residents call to report illegal dumping, they are often disappointed about how the rubbish looks for our city.

In Rotorua, we are lucky in that the majority of our community disposes of rubbish responsibly and really sees value in caring for our local environment. Council is proud to support a number of advocate groups who are dedicated to caring for the whenua by collecting litter or educating others on the importance of disposing of waste correctly.

How people can help

• If you witness illegal dumping do not approach the offenders but take notes and photos or videos of the person and their vehicle. This can help with identification and prosecution.
• Report any dumped rubbish to Council as soon as possible so contractors can remove it before people add to it.
• When reporting rubbish it is very helpful if you supply photos that have a location tag. This can be done by turning on your location services on your smart device before taking the photo. This enables contractors to go straight to the dumping site rather than spending time searching for the rubbish.Additional information about illegal dumping is available on Council's website HERE