Mr Zibelnik said he had seen illegal dumping increase in the five years he had been in Seymour and he wanted more done by authorities.
“I regularly go looking for areas to relocate animals and I keep finding dumped rubbish,” he said.
“There is not a lot of awareness because people don’t go to these areas or they don’t understand the environmental damage it’s doing. It seems to be out of sight, out of mind.
“Rubbish is mostly dumped underneath bridges, along railway lines and in the Tooborac State Forest — anywhere out of sight.”
Dumped rubbish causes environmental problems such as pollution of land and groundwater; it can produce odour and dust as well as impacting on wildlife, encouraging vermin and the spread of weeds.
Dumping rubbish anywhere except at an authorised facility is illegal and carries an on-the-spot fine of $330 or up to $ 6608 if prosecuted in court.
Mr Zibelnik said rubbish was often dumped close to populations of native birds and reptiles, causing extensive environmental damage.
“It’s only going to get worse and there is never any action put towards it. The tip in Seymour is only open minimal hours a few days a week. If nothing is done it will kill our native animals,” he said.
“I would like to work with Mitchell Shire Council to stop or minimise the dumping. Maybe they would be open to giving me access to the tip for me to clean up this rubbish or for a community clean-up.
“Other options are more signs reminding people that dumping is illegal and hard rubbish collection twice a year.
“We also need to make it easier for low socioeconomic families to dispose of waste.”
Forest Fire Management Victoria's Murrindindi district manager Lucas Russell said he was aware of community concerns regarding illegal rubbish dumping on Crown land near Seymour.
“Illegal rubbish dumping is an ongoing issue across Victoria, which can have a significant impact on the environment and the community's experience when enjoying the outdoors,” he said.
“Dumping rubbish on public land is costly for the community. In addition to tip fees that are paid to properly dispose of the rubbish, forest officers must spend their time cleaning up rubbish rather than undertaking other activities that benefit forest users.
“We encourage everyone to do the right thing and keep state forests and public land clean for everyone to enjoy.”
If you see waste dumped in the bush or abandoned on private land, report it to EPA by calling 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).To report environmental crime on public land, phone the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136 186.
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