Early morning clean-up blitz at Prince of Wales Bay
Prince of Wales Bay cleanup 2012
Image: Derwent Estuary Program
Southern Tasmanian businesses are joining forces with state and local government employees to crack-down on litter at one of the worst hotspots around the River Derwent.
Today a team of volunteers rolled up their sleeves to tidy the Prince of Wales Bay foreshore area, in support of the 2012 Clean-up Australia Business Day campaign.
Director of the Derwent Estuary Program (DEP) Christine Coughanowr said Prince of Wales Bay has been identified as a major litter hotspot in recent surveys.
“Thousands of items of litter accumulated along the high tide line at this location,” Ms Coughanowr said. “This is due to the urban and industrial nature of the catchment and the shape of the bay, which traps rubbish along the shoreline.”
“Tomorrow’s clean-up will take place on the low-tide early in the morning, with many employees involved expected to lend a hand on their way to work.”
For the past few years, the DEP has partnered with the Clean-up Australia Day events to deliver the Derwent Litter Campaign. The campaign is supported by the DEP’s council, State Government and industry partners, as well as the EPA and Veolia Environmental Services.
Veolia Environmental Services will provide rubbish skips at major litter hotspots and will join the Business Clean-up Day at Prince of Wales Bay, along with volunteers from the EPA and Southern Water.
"Veolia has been a partner of Clean Up Australia since 2000 and as such we are always encouraged by the local support for this important community event. We congratulate and further encourage all efforts by local businesses to clean up Prince of Wales Bay." Doug Dean, Managing Director, Veolia Environmental Services Australia.
EPA Director Alex Schaap said an estimated 100 tonnes of litter reach the Derwent estuary every year via stormwater which can harm wildlife and affect human health.
“In 2011, more than 100 business, school and community groups registered to collect litter from a variety of locations along the Derwent and a total of 24 tonnes of rubbish was collected,” Mr Schaap said.
“Preventing litter is the preferred option – with clean-up events the last resort – but we hope tomorrow’s efforts inspire others to become involved in the annual Clean Up Australia Day Campaign.”
Business Clean-up Day is on Tuesday 28 February, Schools Clean up Day is on Friday 2 March and Community Clean up Day is on Sunday 4 March 2012.
If you would like to join in, check out the Clean up Australia Day website to find a registered site in your neighbourhood.
Tuesday 28 February 2012