THE Fraser Coast’s own junior environmental warrior is urging people to do more to keep plastic waste out of our waterways.
Iluka Clifton believes plastic is a real problem.
“We have to work hard to stop it getting into the environment, especially the marine environment where it is a danger to animals such as turtles and whales. The more we can keep out of the environment the better,” she said.
Iluka made the comment ahead of Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, March 7.
The 11-year-old was recognised for her environmental activism, among other things, when she was announced as the Fraser Coast’s 2021 Young Citizen of the Year on Australia Day.
Her efforts to galvanize the community against the use of plastic straws were embraced by Council.
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As a direct result of her campaigning, officials banned the use of plastic straws and other single use plastic items at its events and from being used inside its buildings.
Iluka is a regular at Clean Up Australia Day events and often picks up litter in her own neighbourhood.
She said there are always takeaway wrappers that need to be picked up.
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Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said COVID-19 did not only impact how people lived their lives and organised events.
“There has been a surge in the use of disposable items, such as takeaway coffee cups, food packaging, masks and sanitising wipes,” Cr Seymour said.
“Much of this has ended up as litter in our parks, streets, bushland, waterways and beaches.”
Council will host two Clean Up Australia Day events with a free sausage sizzle for participants at Pier Park, Urangan and Prickett Park next to Lamington Bridge in Maryborough from 7am – 10am on Sunday, 7 March.
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Community members are being encouraged to create their own events around the region and register them to receive free gloves and bags.
Council will pick up the rubbish collected at all registered clean-up sites.
Click here to join or create an event.