With the summer holiday season upon us, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to dispose of their litter in bins provided or take it with them to avoid hefty on the spot fines.

Council Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said that a team of Council Rangers have been deployed specifically to target littering hotspots to ensure everyone can enjoy a clean coastal environment this festive season.

“Whilst Christmas is a time of good cheer, the incidence of littering increases during this time, and we want everyone do the right thing and dispose of their rubbish in the right place – the bin,” Mr Cox said.

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

“Certain areas of the Coast become litter hotspots this time of year and our Rangers will be highly active in these areas targeting litter from vehicles and individual littering offences which can attract on the spot fines of up to $250,” Mr Cox said.

Areas being targeted include skate parks and busy reserves, beaches and surrounds, water fronts, town centres, fast food outlets and surrounds and major arterial road intersections. Those found to be in breach of the rules will face penalties ranging from on the spot fines to prosecution in more serious cases.

“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 before you leave and if bins are full or unavailable, take your rubbish with you,” Mr Cox said.

Jane Smith said the natural environment of the Coast was a key reason why people love living and visiting here and everyone has a role to play in protecting it.

“We live in a beautiful place and it is everyone’s responsibility to keep it that way by respecting the environment,” Mayor Smith said.

“It is as simple as putting rubbish in the bin or taking it with you.

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

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