About two weeks ago a burnt out car was found by residents near Gunrock Creek in Meryla State Forest. 

Highlanders raised concerns about how the car could potentially pollute Gunrock Creek and Bundanoon Creek Dam.

A Wingecarribee Shire Council spokesperson said the car would be removed “this coming weekend”. 

Due to the location of the car, council was unable to move it sooner. 

“The location was in a creek located in state forest,” the spokesperson said. 

“It has since been moved to the side of the road on council land.”

Unfortunately this isn’t the first time cars have been dumped in Meryla or other parts of the Highlands bush. 

Council adopted the CCTV and Portable Surveillance Cameras Policy at the end of June which is hoped to deter illegal dumping.

Under the policy there will be occasions where the cameras will be used by the environment team for monitoring of wildlife and rangers will also have access to help deter illegal dumpers.

Deputy mayor Ian Scandrett said he believed the policy would have a strong impact on illegal dumping. 

“The fact that we now can use these in any public space controlled by Council [will help],” he said. 

“They don't have to be permanent and this could support action by others like the police for example.”

Cr Scandrett said the issue was something council needed to focus on more. 

“We must be more pro-active in measures to reduce this,” he said.

“The environment is third most important in our resident surveys after roads and footpaths.

“Increased activity by Wingecarribee Shire Council will be at a cost and some of that might be able to be borne by the environment levy, which is now permanent.”

The issue of illegal dumping has been a strong topic on social media, and Cr Scandrett said it was good to see so many Highlanders concerned abut the issue. 

“It is amazing how many people see things and are concerned. I believe most people want to see solutions and will participate in same,” he said. 

“Future plans [to tackle the issue] will generally be a matter for staff and the whole council but the staff now have some increased flexibility and direction.”

Council has encouraged residents to report any illegal dumping. 

Highlanders can report illegal dumping by contacting council or visit RID Online, any information will be treated with confidence.

Abandoning a vehicle is an offence under the Impounding Act 1993. 

To report a dumped vehicle contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. 

Council is unable to remove an abandoned vehicle until the NSW Police have confirmed that the vehicle has not been stolen or is otherwise of interest to them.

Once the NSW Police have confirmed that the vehicle is not of interest to them and is in fact abandoned, they will notify Wingecarribee Shire Council.