MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has issued more than $35,000 worth of fines in the past month as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal waste dumping.
The penalties follow investigations by shire officers into several incidents involving the disposal of waste on roadsides, reserves, and foreshore areas.
Among the offences was a Clyde North-based company that was fined $6105 after waste generated from its fishing charter operation was dumped on a road reserve.
A fine of $2035 was issued to the driver of a company vehicle who was seen urinating into a bottle before disposing of it roadside.
An excavation company in Tootgarook received penalties totalling $18,306 for depositing waste and failing to comply with statutory notices issued by the shire.
A Delahey man was fined $1221 for dumping soiled nappies and household rubbish on the Dromana foreshore and a Capel Sound resident received a $2035 fine for the disposal of vegetation in a council reserve.
In another case, a Sorrento business was fined $6105 after repeatedly disposing of waste in a laneway and failing to comply with a Waste Abatement Notice.
The council estimates illegal dumping costs ratepayers around $750,000 annually in clean-up and disposal costs as well as causing damage to public spaces, reserves, and foreshores.
Acting mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro said the recent penalties should serve as a reminder that residents and businesses have access to a range of legal waste disposal options.
“We know our residents and local business owners are keen to keep the Mornington Peninsula clean, safe and beautiful,” said Pingiaro.
“Individuals caught doing the irresponsible thing – illegally dumping waste on our reserves, beaches and roads will face prosecution and substantial penalties.”
First published in the Mornington News – 16 June 2026
