With the summer holiday season upon us, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to dispose of their litter in bins provided and make sure they only camp in designated camping areas.

Council Manager, Environment and Certification, Mr Jamie Loader, said that whilst Christmas is a time of good cheer, the incidences of dumped rubbish and illegal camping increase during this time, and we want everyone to avoid the fines that apply to those who don’t do the right thing.

“The festive season means more parties, more family get-togethers, more food than you’d usually eat … and, sadly, more waste dumped than at any other time of the year,” said Mr Loader.

“If you are getting together with your family and friends at one of the Coast’s great locations, like our parks, reserves, beaches, or rock platforms, make sure you clean up after you leave and if bins are full or unavailable, take your rubbish with you.

“Council is also reminding the camping community to make sure they only set up camp in areas designated for overnight camping.

“Illegal camping can be disruptive to the use of public spaces by the community and in some cases, potentially dangerous.

“Specific camping areas are set up with amenities, provision of bins for rubbish and lighting – that way campers are safe and the community retain full access to public space throughout the holiday period.”

Council rangers will be out in force this holiday period targeting littering and illegal camping hotspots including Picnic Point at The Entrance, Karagi Reserve at North Entrance, Jenny Dixon Reserve at Norah Head, Avoca Rock Platform and Gosford and Woy Woy Waterfronts. Those found to be in breach of the rules will face penalties ranging from on the spot fines to prosecution in more serious cases.

“The community can support efforts of the Council to keep our coast clean and safe by reporting problems such as dumped rubbish or illegal camping via Council’s ‘Report a Problem’ on Council’s website.

Individuals found guilty of littering can receive on the spot fines of up to $250.

Those found to be camping on our beaches, parks, reserves or other areas that are not designated camping areas could face on the spot fines of up to $110.

“We live in a beautiful place and its everyone’s responsibility to keep it that way by respecting the environment, putting rubbish in the bin and playing by the rules if setting up camp,” said Mr Loader.

“That way, we can all enjoy a happy, clean and safe Christmas on the Central Coast.”

To ‘Report a Problem’ to Council, visit Report a Problem