Make a difference, help clean up our important creeks
Posted on February 26th, 2014
Clean Up Australia Day is synonymous with the spirit of community, of chipping in and cleaning up the part of the world we live, work and play in.
On Sunday 2 March 2014, from 8:30am, Fitzroy Basin Association Inc. (FBA) will partner with local organisations in Rockhampton and Gladstone to clean up two creeks that flow through the centre of the cities – Moores Creek in Rockhampton and Police Creek in Gladstone.
In Rockhampton, FBA, Fitzroy River and Coastal Catchments and the Fitzroy Basin Elders Committee’s Gundoo Junior Rangers will partner to hold a special Clean Up Australia Day event at Moores Creek meeting at Yewdale Park, on the corner of Creek and Simpson Streets, North Rockhampton.
In Gladstone, FBA will join with Boyne Calliope Sub Region, Gladstone Regional Council and the Friends of Police Creek to hold a Clean Up Australia Day event at Police Creek meeting at Lions Park, and walking under Dawson Highway to Golf Course Road, Gladstone.
FBA Chief Executive Officer Paul Birch is calling on individuals and families to learn more about Moores Creek and Police Creek and their importance to their regions by spending a short time, an hour or two, picking up rubbish and planting trees, to help restore the creeks to their natural state.
“These Clean Up Australia Day events will kick start a five year program to revitalise Moores Creek and Police Creek by restoring habitat and connectivity to the Great Barrier Reef through debris removal, weed control, tree planting and erosion control,” Mr Birch said.
“Moores Creek flows through our city, draining into the Fitzroy River and out to the reef, while Police Creek flows through Gladstone into Lake Callemondah so removing rubbish from creek banks will help improve local water quality and restore habitats for local wildlife.
“Many people drive past these creeks on a daily basis or use the areas for recreation – walking, cycling, even a family picnic, but may not realise their value as an urban corridor and haven for birds, reptiles, fish and other native wildlife.
“If you’re a regular at Clean Up Australia Day events, or if you’ve never been involved before, make 2014 your year to give back to your local environment, help us clean up these important waterways and restore their health for the wildlife who call the area home,” Mr Birch said.
Please wear closed-in shoes, sunscreen and sun safe clothing and bring a pair of gardening gloves.
This project is supported by Fitzroy Basin Association through funding from the Australian Government.
To join the Rockhampton group register at http://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/Moores+Creek-Yewdale+Park or to join the Gladstone group register at http://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/Police+Creek-Lions+Park or turn up on the day.