The Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA) is all set for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 4 March with more than 30 registered sites around the Noosa Shire where locals can get involved.
This year, NICA Chair Peter Hunnam, hopes to get extra attention focused on cleaning-up sites along the Noosa river, and to use 2018 to set a baseline for ridding the river of rubbish.
“NICA and many others have been cleaning up the Noosa river, wetlands, and creeks, and helping to maintain and enhance the health and natural amenity of our waterways, for most of the past decade. The lower river, estuary and lakes are the central components of Noosa’s urban biosphere, and need more careful management and attention,” he said.
Plastic Free Noosa manager Kellie Lindsay is working with NICA to audit samples of the rubbish collected. They anticipate that the majority of litter found will be plastic.
Volunteer coordinator and Noosa councillor Joe Jurisevic and NICA Manager Gil Studdock are calling on that strong sense of Noosa spirit to be reflected once again in strong volunteer numbers participating in Australia’s biggest community event.
“It’s time to roll up the sleeves again and Clean Up our parks, creeks, rivers, beaches, bushland and streets. As Noosa locals treasure the environment in which we live, I am sure that everyone is aware of an area that could benefit on Clean Up Australia Day,” Joe said.
Community organisations will also be out in force once again with Scouts, Noosa Dolphins, Noosa Rotary, Noosa Lions, Noosa Coast Guard, Bushcare and school groups, and the 4WD club targeting illegal dumping sites in our forests. A coordinated effort by groups including Noosa Kayakers, Divers and Sea Scouts will bring an additional focus to cleaning up Noosa River, lakes, estuary and wetlands.
Clean up sites on the Noosa River and lakes can be found online at www.noosariver.com.au, and for other sites visit www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/
