Record-breaking numbers volunteer to clean-up Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast community has recorded its biggest year for Clean-Up Australia Day activities since 2010, with almost 1500 volunteers taking part in clean-up activities across 98 sites across the region.
The Sunshine Coast community has recorded its biggest year for Clean-Up Australia Day activities since 2010, with almost 1500 volunteers taking part in clean-up activities across 98 sites across the region.
The volunteers collected the equivalent of 446 wheelie bins of rubbish - a total of 18.6 tonnes - and removed 1.7 tonnes of recyclable material.
Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay applauded the efforts of volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to clean-up their local parks, gardens, beaches and reserves.
“In addition to the 27 schools who engaged in clean-up activities late last week, the number of volunteers who took part in Clean- Up Australia Day on the Sunshine Coast this year increased by nearly 50% compared to last year, which is an incredible commitment by our local community,” Cr McKay said.
“This increased participation allowed groups to cover a much greater area overall, with the amount of rubbish and waste collected across the Sunshine Coast also increasing by approximately 62% from last year.
“This year’s record-breaking activity would not be possible without the collective efforts of our dedicated community groups including Rotary clubs, Scouts groups, sports and recreation groups, catchment care and conservation groups and local four-wheel drive clubs.”
Common items collected at most sites across the Coast included glass alcohol bottles, cigarette butts, aluminium cans, plastic bags and confectionery wrappers.
“It is encouraging to receive feedback that areas such as main beaches, rivers and parks reported less rubbish this year, and we continue to encourage all visitors and residents to keep this momentum going and dispose of their litter in one of our 3000 public bins,” Cr McKay said.
Fast Facts:
2018 Sunshine Coast totals2017 Sunshine Coast totals
98 registered sites82 registered sites
1480 volunteers 998 volunteers
18.6 tonnes of rubbish 10.2 tonnes of rubbish
1.7 tonnes of recyclables2.3 tonnes of recyclables