Hundreds ready for harbour clean-up

ANOTHER mass clean-up of Macquarie Harbour will show if beach and water debris is increasing in the waterway.

Hundreds of volunteers are expected to help in the second annual event at Strahan from April 7 to 11.

Eighty kilometres will be targeted and the clean-up will involve community members, aquaculture companies, local government, conservation organisations and the local tourism industry.

It is being co-ordinated by Cradle Coast Authority NRM with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Last year, 60 cubic metres of litter was removed, made up mostly of rope from fish farms and fishing vessels, plastic bottles, glass bottles and cans.

“Comparing the year-to-year results is an important yardstick of our regional natural resource management strategy and associated projects,” Cradle Coast Authority chief Brett Smith said.

Waste collected last year was classified to identify potential sources. In response a hotline was created to report marine debris and the aquaculture industry’s Adopt a Beach program was extended into the World Heritage Area.

“More than one hundred volunteers collected debris last year and we’re anticipating a bigger turnout this year on land and both on and in the water,” Cradle Coast Authority NRM coastal co-ordinator, Anna Wind, said.

“The aquaculture farms, Parks and Wildlife, DPIPWE and West Coast Yacht Charters are making available 12 boats, dinghies and rubber duckies plus crews for the duration of the clean-up.”

Volunteers should meet at the Meredith St boat ramp at 10am or at Piner’s Punt, Strahan at 1pm to take part.

Participants should wear sturdy shoes, hat and sunscreen and bring drinking water.