The community is being urged to join a Sunshine Coast Clean Up Australia Day event, by registering for one of 29 public clean-up sites in hinterland and beachside parks and waterways across the region.
Service Delivery Portfolio Holder Cr Winston Johnston said Sunshine Coast Council supported the event through its Waste 2 Resource program.
“Last year, 1275 Sunshine Coast residents pitched in to do their part for the clean-up, across 106 sites (private and public groups), collecting more than 10 tonnes of waste and recycling 700 kilograms of waste.”
In 2020, many regular groups commented on the impact of the Containers for Change program with a lower number of takeaway drink bottles noted in the litter collected.
Almost all beach site groups reported collecting small soft plastic food packages and cigarette butts, while several also reported they had to remove ‘camp’ or ‘party’ sites in the dunes.
While feedback from regular sites located in more publicly used areas such as main beaches, rivers and parks reported much less rubbish, sites located in more remote areas of the region reported the continued presence of illegal dumping with tyres and furniture commonly reported.
Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox encouraged people to find a local site to help clean up.
“Together, we can help protect our local waterways, beaches and hinterland environments from litter and marine debris,” Cr Cox said.
“Nature is an important part of our lifestyle here on the Sunshine Coast and we need to look after our environment to make sure we keep this quality of life.
“Events like Clean Up Australia Day help to raise awareness about the importance of conserving and protecting our environment from the impacts of litter.”
Coolum clean-up
One community keeping the tradition alive is Coolum, led by Raw Energy Coolum for their third annual Clean Up Australia Day.
The Raw Energy crew is encouraging the community to get involved once again and is asking friends, family, and the local community to meet them at the front of the café.
Ben Sheppard, Raw Energy’s general manager said Raw Energy was created with the purpose of supporting clean eating and sustainable living, and the team recognised that taking care of the natural environment was an important part of delivering on their purpose.
“We are so lucky to live in a beautiful region like this and we will always do our part to keep it clean and protected,” Mr Sheppard said.
“This Sunday we will be providing all the gear and disposing of the rubbish afterwards, so all you need to do is join us for an hour and get involved.”
Cr Johnston encouraged the community to make every day a clean-up day.
“Whenever people are out in our beautiful environment, we encourage them to please safely pick up any litter they see. Even just one piece can make a difference. After all, a Clean Sunshine Coast is in our hands.”
Registration is easy. Simply visit cleanupaustraliaday.org.au, select ‘join a clean up’ and search for an event nearby by entering your postcode or suburb.
To join Raw Energy sign up online and meet at Raw Energy Coolum at 7am on Sunday, 7th March (Unit 2 / 1746 Coolum Esplanade)
To find out more about the Waste 2 Resource Education Program visit http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Living-and-Community/Waste-and-Recycling/Recycling-and-Waste-Education
To get involved in conservation visit council’s website, http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Environment/Get-Involved-in-Conservation.
