Illegal Concrete Dumping at Thompson's Track Costs Council Thousands

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is calling on the public for information after a large amount of illegally dumped reinforced concrete was discovered at Thompson's Track, near Katikati. The site, which straddles council and Department of Conservation land at the end of the maintained gravel section of the track, has also had large plastic containers, whiteware, furniture, clothing bags, and green waste discarded there in recent months.

Solid waste operations lead Katie McHugh said the reinforced nature of the concrete suggested it had likely originated from a commercial or construction site. The council and DoC are working together to remove the waste, with clean-up costs estimated at between $25,000 and $30,000. Across the wider rohe, illegal dumping already costs the council around $150,000 annually.

DoC operations supervisor Colette Wi described the dumping as some of the worst the team had encountered, adding that dealing with it was pulling staff away from their core mahi. To help deter future dumping, the council is installing a gate at the track entrance that will restrict vehicle access while still allowing walkers and cyclists through.

McHugh urged residents to dispose of waste responsibly at designated facilities, including community recycling and green waste centres at Te Puke, Katikati, and Athenree. Anyone with information about the dumping can report it via the Antenno app, by emailing info@westernbay.govt.nz, or by phoning 0800 TRASHY. All reports will be kept confidential.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).