Council launches 'A little litter is a big problem' campaign

A new litter reduction campaign aims to highlight the importance of keeping waterways clean and caring for country.

Council has launched A Little Litter is a Big Problem advertising campaign as part of the Clean Creeks initiative, which involves pre-wet season clean-ups, community engagement and education.

Reducing litter is crucial in the lead-up to the annual wet season, where heavy rains can wash rubbish into the ocean, threatening marine life and polluting the Great Barrier Reef.

As part of the program, Indigenous ranger groups will work with community at volunteer clean ups in every weekend in September to target rubbish in local urban waterways.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said even a little litter was a big problem for the Great Barrier Reef.

“Every piece of litter left on our streets and near our waterways can end up in the ocean, harming our precious marine life,” she said.

“Simply putting rubbish in the bin can make a significant difference.”

September is the best time for us to pick up rubbish before the wet season rain washes it out to sea.

In 2023, a group of 100 dedicated volunteers collected 80 bags of litter, equivalent to 17 wheelie bins, from urban waterways during the Clean Up Cairns events.

The most common items found were cigarette butts, broken plastic, and plastic containers.

“You can help be part of the solution and lend a hand at your local Clean Up Cairns event running every weekend in September where locals can come together to protect the reef,” Mayor Eden said.

“Last year's efforts by our volunteers were incredible, but we need everyone to do their part.”

The Clean Creeks initiative is funded by the Reef Authorities Reef Guardian Council Program.

2024 Clean up Cairns events

Cairns Regional Council and Clean Up Australia invite all Cairns locals to care for land and sea, and volunteer in one of the upcoming annual Clean Up Cairns events in September.

Help safeguard the health of our marine ecosystems and the Great Barrier Reef.

How to get involved:

This year, we are thrilled to invite Cairns residents to lend a hand at one of our 2024 clean up events being held in September.

Sunday 1 September, 9:30am – 11:30am: Meet at Centenary Lakes Nature Play Space, Greenslopes StreetSaturday 7 September, 9:30am – 11:30am: Meet at Giangurra Esplanade Park, Pine Creek, Yarrabah RoadSunday 15 September, 9:30am – 11:30am: Meet at Bana Gindarja Creek, Sinclair Miller Bridge, Ravizza DriveFriday 20 September, 9:30am – 11:30am: Meet at Cairns Central Taxi Rank, McLeod StreetSaturday 28 September, 9:30am – 11:30am: Meet at Rotary Park, Howard Kennedy Drive, Babinda

If you'd like to get involved in a Clean Up Cairns event, please come along and no registration in necessary