Clean-up, Mackay Region ‘grows’

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was the loyal volunteers who kept these events running, year after year.

“We would like to thank everyone for taking the time to help keep our region beautiful,” Mayor Williamson said.

“As pledged, this year council will plant five native plants either as street trees or revegetation, for each of these volunteers. That’s 620 trees, that will now be growing in our region helping to make it cleaner and greener,” he said.

“Volunteers removed large items like shopping trollies and tyres but also large quantities of micro plastics, such as drink bottle lids, plastic water bottles and plastic bags.

“By collecting these items before they make their way to our beautiful beaches, volunteers are helping to protect our local waterways and wildlife in the process.”

Council also thanked event partners including North Queensland Airports, Grasstree Beach Progress Association, Sarina Landcare, Pioneer Catchment Landcare, Mackay Land Rover Club and Mackay Board Riders Club for supporting this event.

Fast facts:

• 2.9 tonnes collected across the clean ups.
• Four shopping trolleys and 41 tyres collected.
• 744kg of resources recovered for recycling and resale at Incredable Tip Shop and 484 “Containers for Change” donated to Mackay District Turtle Watch.
• Clean up locations included Shellgrit Creek, Sandfly Creek Reserve, Illawong Drive, Freshwater Point, Grasstree Beach, Plane Creek Revegetation Site, Hodges Road, Riverside Drive and North Wall Beach and Harbour Beach.

One of the loyal volunteers, Frances Eiteneuer at the Bridge Road clean up.