SGC MMA Gym Fights Back Against Illegal Dumping

SGC MMA, a martial arts studio nestled in Sydney’s lower north shore, stands out as one of the few gyms in Australia dedicated to helping people with Parkinson’s Disease improve their quality of life through exercise. Yet, since Christmas, the unique program is facing a major setback due to a perplexing and destructive occurrence.

The gym’s door has been obstructed not once, but twice, by a towering pile of construction rubbish. This has led to increased absenteeism among the gym’s dedicated patrons who rely on it for its specialized classes.

The Scale of the Problem

Nate, the gym owner, was astounded by the sheer volume of waste. According to an inspector from the local council, this incident ranks among the worst cases of illegal dumping in their long career.

“You would have needed a lifter to get this off a truck,“ Nate remarked. “It’s no joke at all. This is a proper job.”

The Chain of Responsibility

Frustration mounted as Nate attempted to address the problem with the responsible authorities. He initially contacted the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), only to be redirected to the local council, which then pointed him back to the EPA. The police were also involved, but ultimately, the solution seemed out of reach.

The bureaucratic shuffle has left Nate and his business hamstrung. The mounted costs of waste management are likely to cast a shadow over the gym’s ongoing operations.

The Financial Impact

SGC MMA has struggled financially, with unpaid bills accumulating over six months. The unexpected costs associated with removing the waste add another layer of financial strain.

“It’s affecting us, it’s affecting our business,” Nate said. “We haven’t even paid ourselves for the last six months, so to get that over Christmas has just been absolutely devastating for us.”

Moreover, the gym’s ability to serve its community is compromised. The fitness program designed to aid Parkinson’s patients is temporarily inaccessible due to the blocked entrance.

Statements from Authorities

Despite the challenges faced by SGC MMA, both the EPA and Willoughby City Council have acknowledged the issue and stated their respective roles.

FULL STATEMENT FROM NSW ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY

Illegal dumping is a serious issue, and the EPA understands the frustrations of business owners like Nate. The EPA advises that incidents should be reported to the local council initially. However, for substantial waste (over 200 tonnes) or hazardous materials like asbestos, the EPA should be contacted via their hotline, 131 555.

The EPA has offered to assist Willoughby Council in addressing the situation, offering support as required.

FULL WILLOUGHBY CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT

Willoughby City Council conveys that illegal dumping remains a significant concern. The council is solely responsible for addressing illegal dumping on public lands, whereas private property owners must deal with such waste themselves.

Council has reached out to Nate and is willing to explore potential ways to support him, although clarification on the responsibility for removing the rubbish remains a point of contention.

Hopes for Resolution

Nate’s appeal for community assistance is a poignant reminder of the impact of such environmental issues on small businesses and the people they serve. The gym’s program, intended to provide hope and improved mobility for Parkinson’s patients, is now sidelined by a preventable act of vandalism.

Nate’s plea for action is not just for his gym but for the well-being of the community it serves. The fight against Parkinson’s Disease has taken an unexpected turn, but with community support, this situation can be resolved.

Call to Action

This story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by small businesses and the importance of community involvement in environmental issues. We invite you to share this story, help spread awareness, and support SGC MMA in any way possible.

Feel free to leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. Let’s work together to make a difference. Don’t forget to subscribe to Archynetys for more inspiring stories like this one.