Australia generates the most single-use plastic waste in the world per capita, but an important national event is aiming to preserve our stunning natural environment.
People are being urged to sign up to join millions of volunteers around the country for the 33rd annual Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, March 5.
This year several Sunshine Coast community groups, businesses and individuals will be running clean-ups, including Night Eyes Water and Landcare, Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific, 2nd Nambour Scout Group, Twin Waters Residents Association and more.
Hundreds of volunteers across Noosa will also be gearing up with gloves and sacks and join in at one of the local Clean Up Australia Day sites.
Noosa Integrated Catchment Association chair Bruce Hallett hopes to focus attention on clean-up sites along the Noosa River.
“NICA and many others continue cleaning up the Noosa River, wetlands and creeks, helping to maintain and enhance the health and natural amenity of our waterways, and have done for well over the past decade,” he said.
“The lower river, estuary and lakes are the central components of Noosa’s urban biosphere and need our care and attention.”
Sunshine Coast Council Environment Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez, who will join in at Coolum, said Clean Up Australia Day was a reminder to respect our environment and love where we live.
“A lot of us choose to live on the Sunshine Coast because of its stunning natural environment – keeping it clean helps it stay that way,” Cr Suarez said.
“Council proudly supports the event through the Waste 2 Resource Education Program, assisting groups to organise their events, and arranging for the litter to be collected.
“We are grateful to the many amazing groups and individuals who participate in and lead our region’s clean-up activities, both on Clean Up Australia Day and throughout the year.
“They do an amazing job every year, helping council to achieve its vision of a sustainable region, and I thank all the volunteers for being so generous with their time.”
Cr Suarez said the important event was also a reminder that every day was a clean-up day.
“Picking up even just one piece of litter can make a real difference,” Cr Suarez said.
“A clean, sustainable Sunshine Coast is in our hands.”
Raw Energy Coolum is running its fourth annual Clean Up Australia Day event, providing a free coffee or juice as a thank you to all those who join lend a helping hand.
Raw Energy general manager Ben Sheppard said the team recognised 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,” he said.
“Last year’s Clean Up Australia Report found 46 per cent of all reported rubbish found nationally was in waterways including beaches, rivers and dive sites … those statistics are both alarming and eye-opening.”
Anyone interested in joining should register online and meet at Raw Energy Coolum at 7am on Sunday. Please take a keep cup if you have one.
Clean Up Australia chair Pip Kiernan said via its website that the environment is facing pressure unlike ever before.
“As all Australians know, over the past two years we’ve seen severe bushfires, cyclones and floods, and increased pressures on our biodiversity and an ever-growing volume of waste which leaks into our natural and marine environment.
“Australians tell us every day that they are concerned about the world we live in but often feel frustrated and unsure how to make a positive impact. Clean Up Australia Day is a great
opportunity to work together and take practical action.”
To register, visit the Clean Up Australia Day website, select ‘join a clean-up’ and search for an event nearby by entering your postcode or suburb. Registration is free and covers participants under Clean Up Australia Day’s public liability insurance.
To register and for more information click here.
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