Volunteers clean up the Bight
Media release: 28 October 2008
While Stockton Beach in the Worimi Conservation Lands north of Newcastle is considerably cleaner and safer, thanks to the efforts of over 400 volunteers who removed over 7 tonnes of rubbish from the popular beach during last Sundays' annual clean-up, people are still being urged to help look after this spectacular beach by taking away their waste with them.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Coast Area Manager Peta Norris said this was the 13th Annual Stockton Beach Clean-Up Day and was organised the NPWS in partnership with Port Stephens Council and the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, with generous sponsorship from Boral Quarries and Recycling, Sita, and a number of local businesses.
Ms Norris said it was encouraging to see so many people volunteer their time to clean up waste left behind by irresponsible visitors.
"The efforts of all the volunteers including residents from Port Stephens, Newcastle and Sydney, was very much appreciated.
"Without this involvement, and the support of over 17 4WD clubs from all over NSW, the day would not have been as successful," said Ms. Norris.
Ms. Norris said "While some of the rubbish collected on the day had clearly been on the beach and dunes for sometime, volunteers and organisers were also disappointed to find a lot of the waste had been left more recently.
"Items removed included general household rubbish and waste left behind by visitors, such as glass bottles, plastic bags, food wrappers, cigarette butts, fishing rubbish and plastic bottles.
"Rubbish left behind not only scars this spectacular landscape, but is a health risk to wildlife, as well as a public safety risk," said Ms. Norris
Mr Andrew Smith, member of the Worimi Conservation Lands Board of Management and CEO of the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council said that while it was fantastic that so many people got behind the clean up day, it is disappointing that so much of the rubbish collected had obviously been left behind by people who do not appreciate the natural and cultural values of the area.
"It is a privilege to be the caretakers of such an amazing landscape, and people are encouraged to visit Stockton Beach in the Worimi Conservation Lands, as long as they behave responsibly.
"This includes taking away all their waste with them, and disposing it at a designated waste facility," concluded Mr. Smith.
For further information about visiting Stockton Beach in the Worimi Conservation Lands, people should contact the NPWS Hunter Region office. Telephone 02 4984 8200. Or log on to www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
Contact: Lawrence Orel