Shire of Waroona apologises for dumping green waste in Preston Beach weeks before ban is lifted

The Shire of Waroona has apologised for dumping green waste while restrictions are still in place for the community.

During wetter months, the waste is collected at the Preston Beach 48-hour overnight camping spot to be placed in areas among the sand dunes impacted by erosions.

Green waste brushing stops vehicles entering the fragile ecosystem and allows native dune vegetation to re-establish itself to prevent further damage.

But green waste dumping is strictly prohibited during drier months when there is an increased fire risk out of safety concerns for the community.

Preston Beach resident Gary Knight was concerned when he saw a council truck loaded with green waste heading towards the camping spot.

When Mr Knight arrived at the beach carpark, he saw the truck pulling out with a fresh pile of leaves in its wake.

As a volunteer firefighter, he said it was worrying to see green waste dumped before the ban was lifted.

“If we have a fire come into town, people need to be evacuated down here,” he said.

“The whole reason it was closed by the shire was because of the safety risk.”

Mr Knight said it was an unfair double standard for council to dump early while the community was not allowed.

“I can understand if they want to do it, that’s fine, but open the park for everybody,” he said.

“You can’t have double standards in town. I’ve got a trailer load of green waste I could bring down here, but I’m waiting.”

The Shire of Waroona said one small load of tree prunings was mistakenly placed on an existing pile dumped prior by an unknown party.

“It was a once off mistake and not an ongoing activity,” a spokesperson said.

“The employee is aware of the mistake and has apologised for any misconceptions or misunderstandings.”

Council’s ban was lifted late last week, with the community able to dump their green waste at the foreshore once again.

Mr Knight said he was satisfied by council response and was glad the incident was a simple mistake.