Date: 23 April 2026
Location: Eli Creek Road, Point Vernon

As part of ongoing rubbish collection and environmental monitoring activities across local creeks and coastal areas, an on‑site inspection and clean‑up was undertaken at Eli Creek Road, a well‑used access route for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Site Observations

While travelling toward the parking area at the end of the unsealed road, a substantial accumulation of waste was observed approximately halfway along the route. The volume, dispersion, and condition of the rubbish indicated activity consistent with illegal dumping rather than incidental littering.

This finding was of particular concern given the presence of clearly displayed signage at the entrance to the area advising that the site is subject to surveillance.

Clean‑Up Actions Undertaken

Working independently, efforts were focused on removing waste items that posed an immediate environmental risk to surrounding vegetation, wildlife, and nearby waterways.

During the clean‑up, approximately 60 kilograms of waste were collected, filling three large hessian bags. The materials removed consisted primarily of:

• Clothing
• Plastic waste

These items were prioritised due to their potential to cause harm if transported into waterways or ingested by wildlife. Their removal resulted in an immediate improvement to site conditions.

Outstanding Issues and Recommendations

Due to the size, weight, and volume of additional dumped materials present, it was not possible to remove all waste during this visit. Several large items remain on site, including:

• Refrigerators
• Deep freezers

The safe and compliant removal of these items will require:

• Multiple personnel
• Appropriate manual handling or lifting equipment
• Transport to an approved waste disposal facility

A follow‑up clean‑up operation is strongly recommended to fully address the remaining waste and restore the site to an acceptable environmental standard.

Conclusion

While the initial clean‑up achieved a meaningful reduction in environmental risk at Eli Creek Road, further coordinated action is required to resolve the issue of illegally dumped large appliances. Continued monitoring, enforcement, and community awareness will be essential to preventing ongoing dumping and protecting this high‑use natural area.

Ongoing clean‑up efforts play a key role in preserving local ecosystems and maintaining safe, accessible spaces for the community.