A new state-wide drone program which will be used by Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) to capture video evidence of illegal dumping launched today.
EPA’s drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), build on the work of the Andrews Labor Government’s Illegal Dumping Strikeforce – a program dedicated to reducing the illegal dumping of industrial waste.
It’s estimated more than 350,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste such as concrete, timber and asbestos is illegally dumped throughout the state every year, posing risks to Victoria’s environment and economy.
Last financial year EPA issued 98 remedial notices to stop or clean up illegally dumped waste across the state, with the most issued in Victoria’s north-west, followed by the Melbourne metro and north-east regions.
The drone program will help EPA officers investigate pollution reports on land which is difficult to reach by foot or vehicle.
EPA’s Illegal Dumping Strikeforce Program works to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals and companies who participate in large-scale dumping.
For more information about the Strikeforce Program visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We know that areas with minimal visibility tend to be an attractive places for illegal dumping because offenders think no-one’s watching – but that’s all about to change.”
“Illegal dumpers, including those who accept industrial waste without the proper licence, face fines ranging from $7,500 to almost $800,000.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020