Ocean Crusaders back on the Burnett River

The Ocean Crusaders team is back in Bundaberg for a monthly clean of the Burnett River, with support from local volunteers.

The non-profit organisation will continue with three days of clean-up efforts from 12 to 14 March as part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Waterways Rubbish Removal program.

Natural Resources and Environment portfolio spokesperson Cr Jason Bartels said this month’s activity was a timely reminder of the importance of keeping our waterways clean.

“Friday marks International Action for Rivers Day which is a fitting time for the Ocean Crusaders to be back in Bundaberg,” Cr Bartels said.

“Council has engaged the organisation to conduct monthly clean-ups, with most time spent on the Burnett River but also on the Elliott and Kolan Rivers once a year.

“So far under the current grant period, over 20 tonnes of rubbish has been collected, preventing it from washing out into the ocean.”

Ocean Crusaders’ Gemma Ross said it was vitally important to keep local waterways clean as the Burnett River was directly connected to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

“The majority of the Australian population lives on or near the coast or a waterway, Bundaberg is just such a town,” she said.

“We need to prevent rubbish and other pollutants from entering the river to protect our wildlife, ocean and reef.

“Everything from entanglement and ingestion of plastics to leaching of chemicals and altering the natural balance affects all life in the water and the greater ocean worldwide.”

Be part of eye-opening experience

Gemma said the organisation relied on volunteers to not only help with the clean ups but to spread the message as well.

“We encourage community members to get involved because the more hands we have, the more rubbish we can remove!” she said.

“Most people don’t really know how bad the problem is.

“Once you see the sheer volume of waste from one relatively small town like Bundaberg, it is a truly eye-opening experience.

“Volunteering with us can facilitate more minds to take action and go further towards making the drastic changes necessary to beat this problem.

“The more people that become aware and inspired, the more people can join together to make change.”

For more information on upcoming Ocean Crusaders clean up events, follow their Facebook and sign up via their Eventbrite page.

The work of Ocean Crusaders is part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Waterways Rubbish Removal program, funded by the Reef Authority.

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 from the Australian Government to enable Reef Guardian Councils to deliver projects and activities identified in their Reef Action Plans.