K’Gari (Fraser Island), the largest sand island in the world, once again got it’s annual clean up when 350 vehicles from 23 four wheel drive Queensland clubs and various sponsors attended the event.
Organised by Four Wheel Drive Queensland in conjunction with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, this year's clean up took place from Hook Point to the Sandy Cape, some of the inland tracks and some weeding of introduced plants.
Due to the island’s location a large amount of rubbish is washed up onto the 125 kilometers of open beach from the South bound current down the Great Barrier Reef, carrying waste from Papa New Guinea, the Philippines and beyond. Nineteen vehicles from the Bundaberg 4WD Club joined in once again to lend a hand.
Weather conditions proved trying with heavy rain and strong winds testing out the group of volunteers.
A final wrap up saw approximately 8200 kilograms of assorted rubbish picked up by the 750 participants, taken to the collection skip bin sites to be sorted and a snapshot of items from various overseas locations identified.
K'gari clean up gains plenty of support
The Tangaroa Blue Foundation joined the event once again to do the statistical count.
Tangaroa Blue Foundation is an Australian registered charity focused on the health of our marine environment, and coordinates the Australian Marine Debris Initiative, an on-ground network of volunteers, communities, organisations, and agencies around the country monitoring the impacts of marine debris along their stretch of coastline.
A social function had been organised for those that had registered for the event on the final night at Cathedrals on Fraser.
The venue proved popular as clubs based at the top end of the island were able to attend. Lucky door prizes and raffles were drawn, and it was good to see most clubs represented won a prize.
This event is not possible without the support of its sponsors, and this year saw over $70 000 worth of prizes up for grabs.
The diamond sponsor this year was C.A.O.S., who supplied a range of prizes to compliment your 4WD, camping, outdoors and adventure needs.
Due to the great support of the various companies this year the prizes have been split into three separate raffles, with an online one running at the moment for anyone to purchase tickets.
Head to rafflelink.com.au/fraserislandcleanup for a chance to win.
After the event various clubs stayed on to soak up the beaty of the island.
The opportunity to explore the world heritage listed site was available with drives to the various tourist hot spots such as Lake McKenzie, Kingfisher Bay, Eli Creek, and the Maheno Shipwreck to name a few.
Club members tried their hand at fishing, and some even got to catch their first beach worms, a skill in itself.
Planning is already underway for next year’s event, and we look forward to giving back to one of the most spectacular places we can go, so close to home.
To find out more on the Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club and activities we have on, contact us via email, bundy4wd@bigpond.com, on the net at www.bundaberg4wdclub.com or catch us on Facebook or Instagram.
Brad Praed
Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club Inc
