There’s a new clean-up initiative for parks and waterways after Bundaberg Regional Council engaged a crew of local rangers to add to the existing program keeping rubbish out of rivers and the reef.
The Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation will hit the ground twice a month to clean parklands and waterways as part of Council’s latest effort to reduce marine debris.
Clean ups will be taking place in areas such as Queens Park, Central Park, Lions Park and Baldwin Swamp.
This new initiative adds to the existing clean-up efforts of Council contractor Ocean Crusaders, which focus on vessel-based clean-ups on the water.
Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation CEO Bec Domaille said it was all about focusing on maintaining consistency and care for local waterways on the ground.
“We’ll be targeting known rubbish and waste hot spots located near waterways across the Bundaberg Region, particularly areas where pollution has the greatest impact on our rivers, creeks and catchments,” she said.
“Each clean-up will involve six to 10 Taribelang Bunda Rangers working together to restore and protect Country.”
Bec said the initiative was not only important for the environment but also important to local culture.
“Caring for Country is a cultural responsibility for the Taribelang Bunda people,” she said.
“Keeping our waterways clean helps nature to thrive, supports native wildlife and protects the flow of life from the land to the sea.
“By reducing waste that enters the ocean, we are also helping to safeguard Sea Country and the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
“We are proud to work alongside Bundaberg Regional Council to care for Country and protect our waterways.”
Natural Areas and Environment portfolio spokesperson Cr Gary Kirk said the initiative was part of Council’s strong commitment to the environment.
“Every bit of rubbish removed means cleaner waterways, healthier wildlife and a stronger future for the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.
“We’ll have more boots on the ground keeping our waterways clean and we call on the community to do their part by ensuring all rubbish – big or small – is disposed of in the right way.”
The work of the Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation is part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Waterways Rubbish Removal program.
The Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation secured the contract for the new clean-up initiative through a competitive tender process.
Council is proud to be a Reef Guardian Council – an initiative of the Reef Authority – delivering real outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef.
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.
