Plastic trolleys, tyres and fragments of urban waste – nearly 1.3 tonnes of it – were pulled from the Burnett River as part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Waterways Rubbish Removal program.
During the recent clean-up, led by Council’s contractor Ocean Crusaders and funded by the Reef Authority, the team visited the region for a three-day expedition to tackle rubbish in local waterways.
The crew kicked off their efforts on 16 September, hauling out 520 kg of waste including a staggering nine shopping trolleys.
On day two the team removed 580 kg of rubbish, including 11 tyres.
The final day on 18 September focused on Mariners Way where 190 kg of smaller debris was collected.
Ocean Crusaders’ Gemma Ross said the clean-up revealed just how much waste ended up in local waterways.
“Day one and two were big days with over 500kg each,” she said.
“The third day of 190kg of trash doesn’t seem like much but when you realise most of it is micro plastics- it’s a lot!
Natural Resources and Environment portfolio spokesperson Cr Gary Kirk said the clean-up was a valuable part of the region’s commitment to protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the local environment.
“Council is proud to be a Reef Guardian Council which is an initiative of the Reef Authority that delivers real outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.
“Funding for this project has been provided by the Australian Government to enable Reef Guardian Councils to deliver projects and activities identified in their Reef Action Plans.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Ocean Crusaders and the volunteers who continue to roll up their sleeves and make a real difference to our local environment.
“Every piece of rubbish removed is a win for our waterways, our wildlife and our community.”
Ocean Crusaders will be back in the Bundaberg Region next month and are always looking for locals to lend a helping hand.
“Volunteers are vital to the work we do,” Gemma said.
“Not only do they help spread community awareness and care, but we can practically double the amount of rubbish that we remove from the waterways.”
Find out more about volunteer opportunities here.
