Fraser Coast set to step up for Clean Up Australia Day

The nation's largest community-based mobilisation event, Clean Up Australia Day, is on the horizon, and Fraser Coast residents are being urged to “step up and unite” to help clean up our region.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the iconic Clean Up Australia Day, which this year is Sunday 3 March, was a great opportunity to pitch in and help look after our region.

“We are asking everyone to step up and clean up by collecting as much litter as possible and protecting our unique environment and wildlife,” he said.

“Participating in Clean Up Australia Day is an incredibly rewarding experience. It is such a special time to come together to care for and protect our environment for future generations.

“Register at www.cleanup.org.au and nominate a clean up site or join an existing one, then spread the word and encourage your family, friends or community group to join the movement.

“Volunteers who sign up receive a free Clean Up kit containing gloves, bags, and other resources.

“Council supports the event with additional resources and by coordinating rubbish collection.”

Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia said that vapes, cigarette butts, coffee cups and soft plastics are amongst the commonly reported items collected by volunteers who are encouraged at each site to report their findings.

“By rolling up our sleeves and witnessing the sheer quantity as well as the common types of litter lining our streets, bushlands and waterways, we can gain a better insight into our own personal or household footprints on the environment,” she said.

“It encourages each of us to consider practical ways we can prevent that litter in the first place.”

Schools and businesses are also encouraged to organise their own clean up events. It can be a playground, a local park or a bushland near your school or business. School Clean Up Day is on Friday 1 March and Business Clean Up Day is on Tuesday 27 February.

Cr Seymour said there were 58 sites registered right across the Fraser Coast last year and he would love to see even more sites included this year.

“We especially would love to see new volunteers join this year,” he said. “Every hand helps.”