Published Friday, 29 February, 2008 at 02:52 PM

Minister for Natural Resources and Water and Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland
The Honourable Craig Wallace

NRW HELPS CLEAN UP TOWNSVILLE

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace announced today that his Department would join in Clean Up Australia Day activities this weekend, helping locals remove rubbish from state land around Angus Smith Drive, in the suburb of Douglas, Townsville.

Minister Wallace said the clean up was planned for Sunday 2 March and would take place in the area opposite the Douglas Water Treatment Plant.

"The clean up is a joint effort by the department and the community," he said.

"The local mountain bike club is leading the effort, and we hope to clean up a decent sized area of woodland that includes both state land and freehold blocks.

"At the moment the land contains an old car body, and a range of household refuse, most of which can have a negative impact on wildlife and the environment in general.

"Dumped vehicles are always one of our main concerns, particularly during the wet, because there's always the possibility that oil and fuel could leak from the vehicle and leach into the ground and waterways.

"Our teams will be working hard to clean up the area, but we do need the community's help to keep it that way.

"Protecting our resources is everyone's business."

Media Contact: Minister’s Office, 3896 3688.