Albany woman criticises litterbugs as scenic lookout trashed

Albany woman Anne Fisher says she is “fed up” with finding rubbish dumped at the Mt Melville Lookout carpark.

Ms Fisher said the discarded rubbish was ruining a beautiful area.

“I walk up to the lookout quite regularly and it has been a problem ever since moving here,” she said.

“I’ve been taking a bag and collecting some of it, but I’m just fed up.”

In her experience, about 90 per cent of the rubbish was fast-food packaging and empty cigarette packets.

“There are very adequate rubbish bins but some people just find it too difficult to put it in the bin,” Ms Fisher said.

“It’s such a beautiful spot with a lovely lookout and a lot of people walk their dogs or ride their bike (there) and the rubbish just ruins it.”

Ms Fisher’s most worrying discoveries in recent weeks include drug paraphernalia and at least 14 empty cigarette packets scattered in the bushland.

“It’s just complete disregard for the people who want to enjoy themselves,” she said.

City of Albany corporate and commercial services director Duncan Olde said the City had not received any complaints or inquiries about rubbish around the car park.

But he said fines could be issued for littering.

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, littering and illegal dumping of a more significant nature can result in prosecution and severe fines.

“It is unfortunately not uncommon for unsavoury items to be discarded into our natural environment, which is disappointing to see as it becomes a public safety hazard and has a direct effect on our natural landscape, flora and fauna,” he said.

“The City encourages all residents and visitors to Albany to make use of the general waste and recycling bins supplied across the City to dispose of any waste safely.”

Mr Olde said City officers were told to remove waste as soon as possible when notified.