Plastic and polystyrene rubbish from construction work at Riverside Estate could be seen scattered around and in a creek towards the back of the development this week.

Killara resident Hope Hayman said she had been shocked to see the extent of the pollution.

“This is our waterways for heaven’s sake and they’ve got so much rubbish, I just can’t comprehend it at all,” she said. “Something should be done about this, this can’t be allowed to happen.”

Council infrastructure and works manager Theo Panagopoulos said several Riverside sites had been inspected and notices to comply issued.

“The council continues to monitor the sites,” he said.

Mr Pangopoulos said the notices allowed time for problems to be fixed, but if people took no action they could be fined.

Stephen Kovacs, who has lived in Killara for many decades, said the rubbish problem had increased with the growth of housing.

“Why aren’t things going into rubbish bins, they’ve got bins there,” he said.

“I believe no creek should be used as a dumping area.”

Riverside Estate developer Andrew Stern said his company JMP Developments had brought the issue to the council’s attention previously.

“We really need council to play their part and take responsibility for it,” Mr Stern said. “Our covenants do provide for lots to be kept in a certain condition but ultimately these matters are covered by council bylaws.”

Mr Stern said as many as 15 building companies could be working at Riverside Estate at any one time.

Mr Panagopoulos said council officers routinely inspected work sites and responded to reports of rubbish and debris.

“During house construction, builders have an obligation under local laws to keep their individual sites tidy,” he said.

The Environment Protection Agency urges people to report any illegal dumping of waste on 1300 372 842 or the EPA’s confidential online reporting form.