Local councils, land managers and community groups are encouraged to apply for a NSW Government grant to help stop illegal dumpers in their tracks, Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis, announced last week. Mr Gulaptis said applications under the NSW Government’s third round of its Combatting Illegal Dumping Clean-Up and Prevention Grants program is now open, with $686,000 in grants funding available across three categories: 1. Illegal dumping clean-up and prevention projects: Grants of $50,000 – $150,000 each for local government and public land managers to clean-up and prevent illegal dumping. 2. Illegal dumping clean-up and prevention community partnerships: Grants of up to $50,000 each for community groups in partnership with councils or a public land manager to clean-up and prevent illegal dumping. 3. Gathering illegal dumping data: Grants of up to $20,000 each for councils and public land managers to collect data to determine the extent of illegal dumping. “Illegal dumping is an ongoing problem across the state. Not only is it an eyesore but it poses a safety risk and is harmful to the environment,” Mr Gulaptis said. “These grants are available to help clean up existing illegal dump sites as well as install deterrents such as fences, signs and cameras to prevent dumping from occurring.” Mr Gulaptis said the NSW Government has awarded more than $3 million to 52 projects under the first two rounds of the grant program. These projects have so far helped get more than 2,300 tonnes of waste and 192 tonnes of asbestos off our streets, but we can do more. Environment Minister Mark Speakman said the NSW government wanted to stop illegal dumping in its tracks. The NSW Government has dedicated $58 million to tackle illegal dumping as part of the $465.7 million Waste Less Recycle More initiative. Waste Less Recycle More is a five year program that includes funding for business recycling, managing problem wastes, new waste infrastructure, councils and programs to tackle illegal dumping and litter. Applications close Friday, March 18. For more information visit: epa.nsw.gov.au/wastegrants/combat-illegal-dump.htm.