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29 February, 2016 12:37
Queensland Urban Utilities is joining forces with the Tangalooma EcoMarines and the Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd to combat plastic litter this Clean Up Australia Day.
On Sunday, March 6, EcoMarines from 12 Brisbane schools will lead the charge to clean up plastic litter that has washed ashore at the Port of Brisbane.
Queensland Urban Utilities spokesperson, Michelle Cull, said single-use plastic bottles are one of the most common items of rubbish found on Clean Up Australia Day*.
“Australians spend more than $600 million on bottled water every year,” she said.
“We’re encouraging everyone to follow the lead of the Tangalooma EcoMarines by pledging to carry a reusable drink bottle and fill up on tap water.
“In addition to helping the environment, you’ll also save money. Tap water costs less than one cent per litre compared to up to $3 per litre for bottled water.”
Tangalooma EcoMarines Director, Penny Limbach, said research had shown up to 30 per cent of the turtle deaths in Moreton Bay were caused by the ingestion of plastic litter**.
“Discarded single-use plastic bottles can be blown or washed by rain into stormwater drains, then into Moreton Bay,” she said.
“Many of these plastic bottles end up washing up in the mangroves at the Port of Brisbane, which is where we’ll be focusing our clean-up activities on March 6.
“Everyone can help make a difference, simply by remembering to carry a reusable water bottle each day bottle and filling up on tap water.”
Anyone who’d like to join Queensland Urban Utilities, the Tangalooma EcoMarines, Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd and BMD Constructions is asked to register on the Clean Up Australia Day website
Clean Up Australia Day
- Date: Sunday, March 6, 2016
- Time: 8.30am – 11.30am
- Where: Port Office, 3 Port Central Ave, Port of Brisbane
- Bring: Sunscreen, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle
- Wear: Hat and enclosed shoes that can get dirty
- What: Clean-up activities, free sausage sizzle and coffee
*Source: Clean Up Australia QLD Rubbish Report, 2015
**Source: Research from the University of Queensland’s ‘Moreton Bay Research Station’