ANNUAL RIVERSWEEP THIS WEEKEND - JOIN IN TO HELP OUT

Boaties should be following speed limits as they are not only there for safety but in built-up areas such as canals, the wake from a boat can wash and erode away sand embankments easily.

Visitors to the rivers and beaches need to take care of the place they have come to enjoy by taking all rubbish away with them!  Rubbish in all forms is detrimental to the environment, but the problem it causes in a tidal water system is even worse as the rise and fall of the water level spreads rubbish throughout every reach of the rivers.  Mangroves and tree roots act as a net and capture plastic bags, aluminium cans, foam food containers and takeaway coffee cups.

To take action against rubbish in the local river systems, there is always “Clean Up Australia Day”, but a 9 years ago “The Great Riversweep” was born when a group of volunteers associated with Riverwatch saw a need to keep the rivers clean.

Time has flown since that last Riversweep, and it’s that time of year again!  Time to haul out your old canoe or kayak, grab your friends and family and help clean up our creeks and rivers in 2010’s ‘Great Riversweep.’

This year’s event will be held on this Sunday the 16^th May at a variety of locations across the Sunshine Coast from Caloundra to Noosa.  The event aims to cleanse our creeks and rivers of all the rubbish that can easily be missed on foot.

The Riversweep is a great addition to the number of environmental events held throughout the year, it allows people to get outdoors and be active in cleaning up their local area.

‘The Great Riversweep’ first began 9 years ago in Petrie Creek, now the clean-up has spread to include Maroochy River, Mooloolah River, Noosa River, Currimundi Creek, Stumers Creek and Pumicestone Passage.

By having a number of organisations participating across the Sunshine Coast we hope to raise the public’s awareness on the effects of litter and pollution across the region.

Riversweep started as part of Clean Up Australia Day, but due to inclement weather and flooding postponing the event several years in a row, the date was changed to the third Sunday in May.

Last year over 150 people helped out and collected all sorts of rubbish from full diesel drums, couches and fridges, building waste, to the ever growing assortment of bottles, bags and bits.  A 50 year old sporting plaque from the Nambour High School was also recovered in Eudlo Creek.

The more people we have participating on the day the greater the impact will be.

Participants are welcome to join in at any site across the coast, if you have your own canoe or kayak that is a bonus!  Swan Boat Hire at Maroochydore have kindly donated the use a few extra canoes and kayaks to be used in the Maroochy River; however you will need to register early to get the use of these.

After the mornings activities there will be a free community BBQ for all participants, the location of the BBQ will depend on the area which you helped clean-up. The Maroochy River BBQ is at 1pm at Muller Park, Bli Bli.

If you require more information, or would like to register for ‘The Great Riversweep’ please contact the Maroochy Waterwatch office on 54 764 777.

Associations participating include Maroochy Waterwatch, Sunshine Coast Seniors Kayak Club, Nambour and Maroochydore Scouts, Swan Boat Hire, Noosa Integrated Catchment Association, Coolum and District Coast Care, Coolum Area Parks Society, Mooloolah Waterwatch and Landcare, Currimundi Catchment Care Group, Night Eyes and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

The combined litter abatement activities of the catchment groups and council in 2009 have been recognised by being finalists in this year’s Healthy Waterways Awards in the Channel 7 Clean Up Award category.  The awards night occurs next Thursday night in Brisbane with the chance of winning the Ministers Grand Prize of $10 000.