Local Land Services has warned against illegal dumping after this incident near Bungendore. Photo: South East Local Land Services/Facebook.
The dumping of potentially contaminated material has closed a public reserve near Bungendore for several weeks.
South East Local Land Services announced the closure of Sweeneys, a travelling stock reserve (or TSR), late on Friday (18 July).
According to the NSW Government, TSRs are sections of largely uncleared public land reserved for farmers to move, rest or graze their animals upon.
At the time, the duration of the closure was unknown.
On Tuesday (22 July), a spokesperson for Local Land Services (LLS) said the closure was expected to last about three weeks.
The move was also described as a precaution taken because authorities didn’t know what the material was.
“Local Land Services will engage a contractor to assess and remove the small trailer load of materials, which are believed to be from a building site,” they said.
“The composition of the materials is yet to be determined.”
TSRs cover about two million hectares in NSW, with LLS managing about 578,000 hectares (or about 30 per cent).
The 44.72 ha Sweeneys TSR is off Tarago Road, to the south-east of Lake George, according to an LLS map.
The LLS spokesperson said illegal dumping had never been recorded at Sweeneys TSR before. Image: LLS screenshot.
The LLS spokesperson also told Region that examples of illegal dumping had previously been reported at Smiths Gap TSR (near Bungendore).
It was alleged that those incidents occurred earlier this year.
“Local Land Services continually monitors TSRs across NSW to ensure only permitted activities, such as recreational use and livestock grazing under permits, take place,” the spokesperson said.
”Any damage or unlawful activity must be reported to Local Land Services.”
A South East LLS spokesperson said punishments for illegal dumping at TSRs included fines of up to $5500.
“TSRs are not only important for agricultural productivity, but they also play an important role in supporting threatened species and habitats,” the spokesperson said on Friday.
“We are committed to maintaining a healthy and sustainable TSR network so that our industries, and the communities they support, can prosper.
“TSRs can be used for a range of recreational activities, but when it comes to dumping rubbish, they are strictly off-limits.”
Suspected illegal dumping can be reported by calling LLS on 1300 795 299 or the EPA on 131 555.
Reports can also be submitted to the EPA online.
