Polystyrene disaster short film released

The impact of polystyrene debris along Noosa’s eastern beaches has been documented in a short film published by Noosa Council. 

The film recounts how 18 large pontoons were washed north from Brisbane during the floods of early 2022 and on to Noosa’s eastern beaches.

Pontoon: The Polystyrene ‘White Spill’ Disaster recounts how 18 large pontoons were washed north from Brisbane during the floods of early 2022 and on to Noosa’s eastern beaches.

Damaged by the sea, the pontoons released millions of polystyrene beads across Noosa’s beaches, creating the ‘white spill’ pollution disaster.

“Our community was so instrumental in helping to clean up the debris,” Mayor Clare Stewart said. 

“It was great to see such community spirit with so many people out there early in the mornings picking up polystyrene."

Climate Change Project Officer, Sally Jensen, interviewed locals and compiled footage from Council staff and community members to create the film.

“It’s an incredible story worthy of telling, and important to hear a range of perspectives so we can learn from what happened,” she said.

“We know that these events are increasing due to climate change and that resources are more likely to be stretched thin when these events occur. Our environmental groups play a critical role in our community, and it is essential that we support and partner with them to build resilience and respond effectively in an environmental disaster,” Climate Change Adaptation Project Coordinator, Shayan Barmand said.

“We've picked up 219 tonnes this year, that’s a ute load of rubbish every day. Most of that is polystyrene from the pontoons,” said Annika Thompson from Ocean Crusaders.

“18 months later, we are still finding polystyrene embedded in the dunes, in turtle nests, and in the ocean,” Jodi Salmond, General Manager of Reef Check Australia said. 

The film explores how challenging the polystyrene pollution event was for Noosa Council and the community and includes lessons learned.

Several industry bodies including Maritime Safety Queensland and the Boating Industry Association are looking at redesigning pontoons to avoid future spills and regulating their installation.

Maritime Safety Queensland recovered an additional 130 pontoons from Moreton Bay.

The video is hosted on Noosa Council’s YouTube channel.