Council's chief executive Bhan Pratap said the policy encourages the public to be "council's eyes" and was developed to discourage residents to dump rubbish illegally.

"The reward policy will be adopted to financially reward members of the community who provide illegal dumping information to the Mount Isa City Council's local government area with rewards to be offered upon the successful resolution of the complaint," Mr Pratap said at yesterday's council meeting.

"There are certain limitations such as when the member of the public provides information regarding illegal dumping, they must provide information and understand if the situation goes to court, they are required to appear to give evidence if need be."

"It is hoped that the policy will deter would-be illegal dumpers, and also encourage residents to take ownership in caring for the appearance of the local government area."

The policy will offer members of the public a reward for information leading to the infringement notice being issued to the offenders.

Councillor Les Bunn moved the recommendation to approve the policy and said it was a step in the right direction for the community.

"The community is looking to us to make this a worthwhile proposal and this policy is worthwhile," Mr Bunn said.

Councillor Gary Asmus said the policy was a great reward to those on the lookout for illegal dumpers and to try to put a stop to illegal dumping of rubbish.

While there is talk of a campaign where brochures and posters will be erected around the city for the new policy, the proposed slogan "Spot a Slob" was rejected by the council, with Councillor Jean Ferris describing it as "disgraceful".

"I can see how the letters stand for a word relating to the policy, but this slogan is disgraceful," she said.

The slogan will be observed by Mount Isa City Council as a competition for schools in Mount Isa to develop suitable signage to accompany the illegal dumping reward policy.