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Cairns residents can help protect the Great Barrier Reef and local waterways by volunteering to be part of this year’s Great Northern Clean Up.
Mayor Bob Manning said everyone could contribute to the health of the Great Barrier Reef and improve the amenity of the Cairns region.
“Every wet season, creeks and rivers are flushed with monsoonal rains,” Cr Manning said. “Unfortunately, any litter caught up in the wet season flush will make its way to the ocean and pollutes the reef.
“By donating just a few hours of your time to the Great Northern Clean Up, you can help make our region and our reef the best it can be.”
The Great Northern Clean Up was launched in 2009 as an alternative to the traditional Clean Up Australia Day, which is held during the northern wet season.
“With the clean-up occurring before the wet season starts, we can remove rubbish before it is washed into waterways,” Cr Manning said.
“If there is an area that is special to you but needs a bit of attention, why not take the lead and register it as a Clean Up site?
“Once you register, you will receive a Clean Up Kit and Council will support you by promoting your site to the wider community and arranging the collection of litter bags from your site.
“You can get your friends, family or even a group or club together to help clean up the local environment and reduce litter impacts on the reef.”
The 2015 Great Northern Clean Up will be held on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September.
To register a site or join a group as a volunteer, visit the Great Northern Clean Up website and for site suggestions email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For more information visit Cairns Regional Council