Spotlight on Local Construction Compliance: Georges River Council Joins "Get the Site Right" Campaign

This month, construction sites across the area will come under extra scrutiny as the Get the Site Right campaign kicks off, with Georges River Council joining in from Monday, October 14 to Friday, October 18. This campaign focuses on educating builders and developers about the importance of erosion and sediment controls to help protect our local waterways.

In partnership with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Georges River Council and other councils across the state will be ramping up efforts to enforce compliance on construction sites. Council officers will be out in full force, conducting site inspections to ensure that builders have effective measures in place to prevent harmful pollutants, like soil and sediment, from leaving the construction area and contaminating nearby water systems.

Why is this important? Pollution from construction sites poses a serious threat to local ecosystems. With recent increases in fines under the Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act, it’s crucial for builders and developers to stay on top of their environmental responsibilities. Penalties for sediment runoff and other pollution-related violations can now range from $15,000 for individuals to $30,000 for corporations on a first offence.

Georges River Council encourages developers to be proactive by ensuring that proper sediment and erosion controls are in place before inspections begin. It’s not just about avoiding fines; these measures help protect the natural beauty of our waterways and the health of our ecosystems.

Local residents can also lend a hand in protecting the environment by reporting any pollution incidents or construction sites that aren’t up to standard. You can contact the NSW EPA Environment Line at 131 555 or Georges River Council directly with any concerns.

To learn more about the Get the Site Right campaign and how it benefits our community, visit the official campaign website. Keep tuning in to 90.1 NBC FM for more updates on local environmental initiatives and ways you can get involved!