Whitsundays kept clean and pristine

North Queensland’s world renowned Whitsunday region will stay pristine and cleaner than ever before thanks to a community group on a mission.

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the Newman Government was providing $100,000 to non-profit group Eco Barge Clean Seas, which removes marine debris from the islands and beaches of the Whitsundays and Mackay.

“We’re determined to open up our beautiful national and marine parks for everyone to enjoy, and ensuring they’re kept clean and free of environmental hazards is another part of that commitment,” Mr Dickson said.

“Marine and national parks are a vital part of the Whitsunday’s economy and the life blood of the region’s tourism industry, so it’s important that community enterprises such as Eco Barge are supported in their drive to protect these natural areas.

“Amazingly in the five years since starting its work, Eco Barge has so far removed around 104 tonnes of debris from national park island beaches.”

Mr Dickson said Eco Barge was founded by Airlie Beach resident Libby Edge, and the group now operated with the support of around 200 volunteers.

“The funding will help Eco Barge increase its volunteer numbers and encourage more people to enjoy our national parks and participate in conservation initiatives,” he said. 

“It is a continuation of the very productive association we have with Eco Barge. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers already support its Operation Clean Seas program by regularly providing staff and vessel time to help clean-up tasks.

“As well as the marine debris program, Eco Barge will now be better able to support the QPWS marine animal stranding program by helping rescue and care for stranded animals, especially sea turtles.”

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell said Eco Barge was already putting a $52,000 grant awarded under his Department’s Everyone’s Environment grant program to good use.

“Eco Barge partnered with another environmentally-focused organisation, the Order of the Underwater Coral Heroes (O.U.C.H) to tackle marine debris,” Mr Powell said.

“In just a few months, volunteers have removed more than 1000 kilograms of debris from beaches and 170 kilograms of underwater debris.

“This is from just six marine debris removal trips – three on ‘hot spot’ beaches and stretches of coastline, and three underwater trips. With the project only a quarter of the way through, this is already an outstanding result for our marine environment.”

More information on Eco Barge is available at www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au.

[ENDS] 1 August 2013

Media contact: Anna Hilton (Minister Dickson) 0408 191 192 or Lynette Keep (Minister Powell) 0419 620 299