The crackdown is part of the government’s Waste Less, Recycle More program. The project has been funded through a $62,000 grant and includes fencing, clean-up efforts and awareness. The area was well utilised by bushwalkers, runners and mountain bike riders.

Following the clean-up effort, the council will be installing CCTV cameras to monitor the entire Mount Gray area, as well as undertaking regular, random inspections through the Ranger team.

As a member of the West Goulburn Bushland Reserve Group, Mayor Bob Kirk is passionate about the issue, and is pleased to see the effort being put in to improve Mount Gray.

“Civic pride is something I see as very important; whether it is picking up your rubbish in the CBD or thinking twice before illegally dumping in the Mount Gray bushland. Mount Gray is a space enjoyed by many residents, and should be a priority that we look after as a community,” he said.

Goulburn MP Pru Goward also said it was vital to look after environmental spaces in the region.

“The Waste Less, Recycle More initiative recently received a further boost of $337 million over four years to ensure we guarantee funding through until 2021,” she said.

“Projects like the Mount Gray clean-up and prevention program are having great effect in discouraging illegal dumping, while also improving education of the community.”