A stolen tinny and 15 dumped tyres were among the 2,285 kg of rubbish pulled from the Burnett River by Ocean Crusaders earlier this month.
The clean-up, led by the team and supported by a group of dedicated volunteers, is part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Waterways Rubbish Removal Program.
Proudly funded by the Reef Authority, the program aims to protect local waterways and the Great Barrier Reef from the harmful impacts of land-based pollution.
Natural Resources and Environment portfolio spokesperson Cr Jason Bartels said the initiative played a vital role in preserving the region’s environmental health.
“Our rivers and creeks are not only important ecosystems but also treasured community spaces, and it’s crucial that we continue to protect them,” Cr Bartels said.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of Ocean Crusaders and their volunteers, we’re making a visible difference – both in the volume of waste removed and in building greater awareness around the importance of clean, healthy waterways.”
Over four days in May, the Ocean Crusaders team collected:
Day 1: 845 kg rubbish removed from Bundaberg Creek, including a 120kg tinnie that been reported stolen (now on its way to being reunited with its owner)
Day 2: 640 kg rubbish from Fairymead to Paddy Island including 15 dumped tyres.
Day 3: 400 kg from Elliot River mainly consisting of abandoned campsites/deliberately left trash.
Day 4: 400 kg from the campground to Mariners Way of town wash out and contents from a sunken yacht.
Ocean Crusaders‘ Gemma Ross thanked those who came out to support the clean-up efforts.
“We had the incredible help of volunteers Katie, Matt, Elisha from Khaki and Ocean, Chris and Jess,” she said.
“And thanks to Bundaberg Regional Council and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for making this happen every month.”
For more information on upcoming Ocean Crusaders clean-up events, follow their Facebook page and sign up to volunteer via their Eventbrite page.
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.
