Help put a lid on river rubbish

Council is asking residents and visitors to help keep Noosa River rubbish-free.

It comes after Council staff spent more than three hours last week clearing two fishing-related campsites of rubbish, including cans and bottles, bait bags, old food, a mattress, tarp, deck chairs 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?

“Noosa River is incredibly popular, and together we can all do our bit to ensure it remains a place so many people love and enjoy visiting,” Ms Maddin said.

“We ask that anyone who sees illegal dumping either in the river or anywhere else in the Shire, to report it to Council as soon as possible.”

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 passer-by tipped us off about the second dump site.

“It’s great to see the community take a stand against the minority who choose to do the wrong thing,” Ms Maddin said.

26 August 2016