Qld: Heavy fines for dumping needles in public places

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2000
Qld: Heavy fines for dumping needles in public places

BRISBANE, April 19 AAP - Drug addicts who dump hypodermic needles in public places
will face fines of up to $3,000 under a Queensland government crackdown announced today.

State cabinet this week approved the tough new penalties for people caught dumping
used needles in public, Premier Peter Beattie said today.

"The state government is horrified by the casual way in which some people dispose of
used needles," Mr Beattie said.

The government intends giving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extra powers
to fine needle droppers, by amending regulations dealing with unlawful waste disposal.

Mr Beattie said the new regulations should be in place by mid-year.

"The regulation will be administered by the Environmental Protection Agency and enforced
by the EPA, the police, Queensland Transport and local government," he said.

Mr Beattie said the Local Government Association of Queensland supported the proposed
new fines for dumping needles.

AAP bja/jhm

KEYWORD: HYPODERMICS

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