Let the river run free

COUNCIL is asking residents and visitors to help keep Noosa River rubbish-free after staff cleaned up two fishing-related campsites.
The staff removed rubbish such as cans and bottles, bait bags, old food, a mattress, tarp, deckchairs and even an old two-seater couch.
Noosa Council environment officer Jan Maddin said the illegal campsites – at the little fishing island near Munna Point and the Frying Pan – contained so much rubbish it took five staff, a ute and a pontoon boat to dispose of it.
“It’s such a shame to see one of our shire’s most beautiful natural assets treated like a rubbish dump – especially by those who enjoy getting together to fish – not to mention the environmental implications, and financial cost to ratepayers to clean it up,” Ms Maddin said.
“The river offers enjoyment for all ages, but there’s no excuse for leaving rubbish behind, particularly when council provides bins on the mainland.
“No-one appreciates coming across other people’s mess when they’re out on the river. Why would they?”
Ms Maddin said the Noosa River was incredibly popular, and together everyone could do their bit to ensure it remained a place many people loved and enjoyed visiting.
“We ask that anyone who sees illegal dumping either in the river or anywhere else in the shire, report it to council as soon as possible,” she said.
Ms Maddin said council appreciated the community support last week’s clean-up received.
“A local boat hire operator was kind enough to waive the pontoon boat hire fee for us, and a passerby tipped us off about the second dump site,” Ms Maddin said.
“It’s great to see the community take a stand against the minority who choose to do the wrong thing.”