General News
29 March, 2026
Dumpers face $2000 fines
ILLEGAL dumpers are being warned they face hefty fines from Cassowary Coast Regional Council after an unsightly pile of discarded washing machines, fridges and similar waste accumulated outside a now shut-down Innisfail business.
The white goods and other household items have been dumped over several weeks at a former scrapyard on the corner of See Poy Rd and Clifford Rd at in the industrial-semi rural part of Goondi (pictured above).
“Just a quick reminder, the old scrap yard on See Poy Road, Goondi, is permanently closed. That means it does not accept broken white goods or other waste,” council posted on its social media.
“Yet items keep appearing at the corner of See Poy and Clifford Road,” it added.
“We’re not sure who needs to hear this, but leaving your fridge, washing machine, or scrap there doesn’t make them magically appear at the tip.”
Despite a large council sign at the front of the former Goondi Scrap Metal business which reads: “Increased surveillance, illegal dumping fines, over $2000,” dumpers have heedlessly offloaded their unwanted items outside the locked gates.
“Illegal dumping here is creating safety hazards for road users and obstructing the cane rail line,” council’s post said.
“Please note illegal dumping is a criminal offence and substantial penalties apply, up to $2670.”
Residents commented on the post.
Teresa Anderson saying: “It’s been a dumping ground for a long time. Why doesn’t council clean it up and put cameras there.”
A local who alerted the community to the latest pile of rubbish outside the scrapyard, Natalie Dodds, asked council: “If the scrap yard is permanently closed, they will obviously be cleaning it up soon and removing everything that’s there?”
She also pointed out that most of the discarded items are “free to take to the dump.”
Council’s waste transfer fees vary for common bulky items. There’s no charge at the tip for washing machines, dryers and barbecues for example.
But because they have to have refrigerant removed, fridges, freezers and air conditioners attract a $20 fee per item, while ‘e-waste’ like computers and TVs are $5.50 each to dispose of.
Read More: Innisfail