Ex-tropical Cyclone Ann brought with her unseasonal rain as she crossed the Far North Queensland coast last week, and this rain threatened to postpone the annual beach clean-up event scheduled for Archer Point on 19 May 2019. Despite the less than ideal conditions, almost 40 volunteers arrived at this popular campsite to assist the Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers and their Junior Ranger Team to clean the beaches in the area.
The beaches all the way from the Lighthouse and south to the creek mouth were given the once over by volunteers for several hours. All the marine debris found was sorted for another couple of hours to record essential data for the AMDI Database on the quantity and types of rubbish collected so that we can attempt to determine where this rubbish is coming from. The solution to this terrible issue of marine debris is to stop it at the source, and the data facilitates this goal.
The overwhelming items counted were broken up pieces of hard plastic, soft plastics and plastic drink containers including water bottles, flavoured milk and soft drinks. A total of 228 drink containers were eligible for a 10c refund each through the Containers for Change scheme, and the cash was divided evenly between Tangaroa Blue Foundation and the Yuku Baja Muliku Ranger Group. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by the volunteers was astounding, with the youngest being a mere 4 years old. The Junior Ranger program coordinated by the Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers is vital to instill environmental stewardship in future generations.
This event was hosted by the Yuku Baja Muliku Rangers with support from the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action Grants and Tangaroa Blue Foundation.
