The investigators who fight illegal dumping in the Hunter are yet to find a new home, after Lake Macquarie City Council indicated it would be no longer hosting the squad.
The Hunter-Central Coast Regional Illegal Dumping Squad has been operating since 2014. In the words of lake councillor Kevin Baker, the squad has been a "highly successful anti-dumping program" in combatting "an absolute curse on our society".
"This doesn't just affect the environment, this affects every single one of us as ratepayers," Cr Baker told a recent council meeting in regard to illegal dumping.
The Hunter's RID Squad, with a staff of eight, is funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority and seven councils. While its investigators cover an area from the Hawkesbury River to the Upper Hunter, the squad has been based at Lake Macquarie City Council.
However, at the July 26 meeting, where he praised the RID Squad's work, Cr Baker said council staff had recommended that due to "material, organisational and operational issues", it was no longer "appropriate" for Lake Macquarie to host the team.
Councillor Baker told the Herald this week that hosting the squad meant "additional costs" for ratepayers, and "significant staff resources". What's more, he argued, with illegal dumping being a regional problem, "this needs a regional solution".
"This wasn't about diminishing it [the squad] in any shape or form, but dumping is a regional problem and we need to shape it like that," Cr Baker said.
At the July 26 meeting, councillors supported Cr Baker's motion, which recommended ongoing support for the squad, along with assisting the EPA "with negotiations to enter into a new hosting arrangement" for the RID team.
The recommendation was for the Hunter Joint Organisation, which brings together the 10 councils in the region, to host the RID Squad. Alternately, it was proposed other member councils that supported the squad take on the hosting role.
Hunter Joint Organisation CEO Joe James said the EPA had been in contact, wanting to explore the option of the body hosting the squad.
"We will, like all our existing and valued collaborations with the EPA, consider any proposal through the lens of what is in the best, shared regional interests of our member councils and our communities," Mr James said.
It is understood that the RID Squad has until September 30 to find a new base.
Michael Alexander, Chairperson of the Management Committee of the Hunter-Central Coast RID Squad, said talks about the issue were held this week.
"We're continuing to have dialogue with the EPA," Mr Alexander said, adding while the host venue of the squad may change, its role and presence in the Hunter would remain. .
"It's just about how that will be hosted or managed; the interest in the squad is not in question," he said.
"Operationally, it's the same state of play. Illegally dump at your own risk."
A spokesperson for the EPA said illegal dumping investigations would continue while alternative solutions were implemented.
"The EPA has been assured by councils in the Hunter-Central Coast that they are dedicated to a regional approach to managing illegal dumping," the spokesperson said.
"The EPA and member councils are working constructively to determine the best structure for the management of illegal dumping in the region to meet the long-term needs of the community."
Cr Baker said even if a new arrangement couldn't be reached by September 30, he was confident the RID Squad would still have a base at the lake and remain operational.
"If there's no regional solution, my bottom line is I don't want to see the RID Squad dissipate," Cr Baker said.
"My argument would be that if a solution can't be found, then we should continue it, because I don't want to see such a key squad disappear."
In the last financial year, the squad received about 800 reports of illegal dumping in the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area, and there were 17 penalty infringement notices. In Maitland, there were 508 reports and 29 penalty infringement notices. In Cessnock, there were 335 reports and 19 penalty notices. Newcastle is not a member council of the RID Squad program.
The coordinator of the Hunter-Central Coast RID Squad, Rob Robertson, said he couldn't comment on the search for a new base.
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