Ocean Crusaders has completed another successful clean-up of Bundaberg Region waterways this month removing 1,300 kg of rubbish and debris from the Burnett River.
Their efforts took place over three action-packed days, aligning with International Action for Rivers Day which highlights the importance of preserving our rivers and waterways.
The clean-up included:
Day 1: 600 kg of rubbish removed from the Sandy Hook area of the river.
Day 2: A further 400 kg of waste cleared from a 5 km stretch of the rock wall leading to the river mouth.
Day 3: The team spent three hours removing 300 kg of tiny plastic fragments, polystyrene, and town wash-up from 600 m of Mariners Way.
Ocean Crusaders’ Gemma Ross said an immense amount of small plastic waste was collected as part of the trip.
“300 kg (a day) may not sound like much, but when it’s made up of all featherweight microplastics and polystyrene, believe me, it’s loads!” she said.
With the help of six volunteers, Gemma said the crew managed to fit in the clean-up along with some educational endeavours across the three days.
“We could not have done it without you all, so much gratitude,” she said.
“We also had the privilege of meeting with final-year students from Bundaberg North State High School, who will become the next generation of Planeteer Change Makers!”
Mayor Helen Blackburn praised the clean-up efforts and said highlighting Council’s Waterways Rubbish Removal program which funds the group’s monthly visits to the region was especially important on International Action for Rivers Day.
“The work Ocean Crusaders is doing to preserve the Burnett River is outstanding,” she said.
“Their efforts are not only cleaning our river but also educating the next generation about the importance of keeping our waterways free from pollution.
“It’s wonderful to see such a great turnout of volunteers, and this is a timely reminder for all of us to take action for our rivers.”
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 by the Australian Government to enable Reef Guardian Councils to deliver projects and activities identified in their Reef Action Plans.
Would like to be part of this, when is the next clean up in Bundaberg