Emma Pritchard
Almost every day, Max Dickson sees what he describes as a disgusting amount of rubbish outside his North Street property in a cul-de-sac near Grafton’s Corcoran Park.
Half-eaten takeaway food, crushed cans, smashed bottles, and plastic wrappers, they’ve all been left scattered across the grass overlooking the Clarence River, thoughtlessly discarded by visitors who frequent the area in their vehicles on a regular basis.
Mr Dickson has been living at his current address for over seven years, and while he admits the issue of public littering has been an ongoing problem in the vicinity, he said the last 12 to 18 months have been the worst.
“We used to get the odd one (vehicle) that would come and park here, but the numbers keep increasing, and so does the pile of rubbish that’s left behind,” he explained.
Mr Dickson said between 10 to 12 vehicles will gather in the vicinity at any one time, with up to four people in each car.
Rubbish bins in the area are also regularly overturned, and neighbours are fed up with the constant disruptions and antisocial behaviour of visitors who frequent the area.
“These people just have no respect for the residents,” Mr Dickson said, adding he has previously contacted Clarence Valley Council (CVC) and Grafton Police on multiple occasions to report the public disturbances and littering.
“The place is a constant mess, and all this rubbish could easily end up in the river.
“Vehicles are also heard speeding and racing one another in the street nearby, and the noise of burnouts and loud music are also heard quite a lot as well.
“We’re tired of it happening and we want it to stop.”
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for CVC said a customer management request was received in August 2022, which stated the area “had rubbish and people parking at the end of the cul-de-sac”, and subsequently, an investigation into the need for more regular rubbish patrols at the location was planned.
Eight bins are currently located within Corcoran Park which the spokesperson said are emptied five days per week.
There are currently no plans to install additional bins in the area.
The spokesperson also said instances of antisocial behaviour at the location, and all public spaces, should be referred to the police.
Coffs/Clarence Police District Chief Inspector Joanne Reid confirmed complaints are received on a regular basis in relation to hoon activity in the vicinity of Corcoran Park, adding the area is subject to regular patrols by police, and in particular highway patrol.
“Despite the boat ramp being locked at night, the activity moves into surrounding streets which interferes with resident’s peace and quiet,” she said.
“Traffic and highway patrol will continue to monitor the area and take a zero-tolerance approach to motor vehicles being used in a dangerous and unsafe manner.
“Consequences include heavy fines and confiscation of vehicles.
“I encourage residents to phone police while it is occurring, and if it is safe and possible, obtain vehicle registrations and video of the activity so if police are unable to attend at the time, it can be followed up later with the same penalties.”