So I am pleased that we are now a part of a new 10-council squad dedicated to stamping out illegal dumping in the Hunter and Central Coast.

Lake Macquarie (as the host council), Wyong, Cessnock, Upper Hunter, Maitland, Dungog, Newcastle, Muswellbrook and Singleton councils have joined forces with the Environment Protection Authority to create the Hunter-Central Coast Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squad.

Gosford City Council has also been invited to join.

With $1.6 million of funding from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and more than $400,000 from participating councils, the RID Squad will enhance compliance, education and enforcement around illegal dumping activity throughout the Hunter and Central Coast.

We all have a role to play in keeping our city tidy and this pooling of resources and local expertise is a great example of how we can work together to stamp out an illegal activity that creates negative impacts for the environment and human health, and is also costly for councils.

The RID Squad will investigate incidents of illegal dumping and attempt to identify those responsible.

The squad will also run important information campaigns to help make sure everyone understands that there is no excuse for inappropriate rubbish disposal.

We can all play a role in helping the RID Squad to hold illegal dumpers accountable.

If you witness illegal dumping, take note of the vehicle registration number and contact the council on 4921 0333 or call the EPA's Environment Line on 131 555.