Photographs taken at the site of shoulder works on Bussell Highway just south of the Margaret River Perimeter Road show a concerning amount of illegally discarded waste and rubbish items, in what a Mainroads WA supervisor said was one of the worst spots for roadside rubbish he had seen in recent years.
According to Mainroads construction supervisor Jose Garcia, the Fulton Hogan and Mainroads site team decided to begin collecting the rubbish “to make the job tidy and give a fresh start to a such nice place.”
“We have spent around 10 hours just this week cleaning the area, working as we go and taking turns to clear the trash while waiting between operations or for traffic management to be set up,” Mr Garcia told the Mail.
“It certainly makes the job more difficult,” he said.
“We are trying to use existing material to widen the shoulders and avoid importing gravel, so the rubbish has to be removed prior to starting any mixing.
We look after the entire South West network but this is definitely one of the worst spots that we’ve been working on the last few years.
- Jose Garcia, Mainroads WA
“We look after the entire South West network but this is definitely one of the worst spots that we’ve been working on the last few years.”
Shire of Augusta Margaret River Manager Waste, Health and Ranger Services, Ruth Levett said the Shire had recently implemented an illegal dumping program.
“We will be recording everything found dumped and where possible, we will identify the person responsible and they will be infringed,” she said.
“The Shire welcomes the opportunity to work with Main Roads to put measures in place that will reduce this practice.
“It’s not only unsightly but impacts adversely on the environment but killing off flora and fauna.”
Ms Levett said there was an urgent need to adjust behaviour around rubbish disposal. “The Shire appreciates the efforts by Main Roads and Fulton Hogan to clean up litter and dumping along this beautiful stretch of highway.
“It might be just one container to someone, but it results in hundreds of containers when lots of people decide to litter. If there is no bin, take it home.”
For local waste and transfer facilities visit amrshire.wa.gov.au/facilities/waste-facilities
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
