Further waterway and environmental clean-ups are planned across Douglas Shire later this year and next year following the successful removal of more than nine tonnes of Cyclone Jasper debris from local communities, waterways and wetlands.
The recent clean-up effort involving Ocean Crusaders, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and Douglas Shire Council removed more than six tonnes of waste from Degarra, more than one tonne from Magazine Island and the Daintree River, with a further tonne removed from Marrs Creek, Mossman on Wednesday (October 28).
Crews collected close to two tonnes of waste each day, helping reduce environmental impacts and protect waterways flowing to the Great Barrier Reef ahead of the wet season.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the results highlighted the value of ongoing recovery and environmental restoration efforts.
“Removing more than eight tonnes of debris from our environment is a fantastic result, but this is only the beginning,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“There’s still work to do in areas impacted by Cyclone Jasper, which is why additional clean-ups are planned later this year and into next year.”
“To put that into perspective, crews removed more than nine tonnes of debris from our waterways and communities, about the weight of six family cars.”
“Every tonne of waste removed helps protect our waterways, wildlife and the Great Barrier Reef.”
Mayor Scomazzon thanked Ocean Crusaders, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and Council staff who participated in the project.
“This was a great example of organisations coming together to achieve something meaningful for our environment and our communities,” she said.
The clean-up targeted flood-affected areas where debris has remained since Cyclone Jasper, with crews removing waste from both populated and remote locations.
The project forms part of ongoing efforts to restore and protect Douglas Shire’s unique natural environment while improving the resilience of local waterways ahead of future wet seasons.
