Scorcher of a day fails to burn out volunteers’ spirits

Scorching temperatures did not deter an army of Gladstone Region volunteers from helping out at Clean Up Australia Day 2012 on Sunday, March 4.

The total amount of rubbish collected from Gladstone Region roads, parks and waterways is yet to be confirmed and will be announced this week.

About 350 volunteers participated on the day at 50 local registered clean up sites throughout the Gladstone City, Miriam Vale, Agnes Water, Baffle Creek, Calliope, Yarwun, Tannum Sands and Ambrose.

The number of volunteers who participated in this years event has been the most recorded since amalgamation.

The high number of volunteers was due to the fact that many sites welcomed more volunteers than the number who had registered online.

Clean Up Australia Day rubbish bags have been collected and Council expects to be announcing the total amount of rubbish collected later this week.

The day would not have been possible without the likes of Gladstone Festivals and Events, Veolia, Burgmanns Environmental Management, JJ Richards, Coastal Skips, Toxfree, NRG, Orica and several council volunteers.”

Councillors Maxine Brushe, Rick Hansen, Col Chapman, Matt Burnett and Mayor Gail Sellers were also part of the mammoth clean up effort.

Clean ups are still to occur with WetlandCare Australia to clean Round Hill at 1770 on April 20, Gladstone Local Marine Advisory Committee to clean Station Point to Sea Hill on Curtis Island on May 6; and Kevin Kearney will clean up the beaches on Facing Island throughout the year.

For more information on these events phone Council’s Sustainability and Environment Officer Heather Richards on 4970 0700.