ANALYSIS REVEALS REGIONAL NSW MOST POLLUTED AREAS
Analysis reveals regional NSW most polluted areas
Media Release 20 February, 2009
The most polluted areas in the Hunter and across NSW were revealed today in a report by Clean Up Australia as part of the regional launch of Clean Up Australia Day 2009.
The analysis by Clean Up Australia found that outdoor transport areas such as bus stops and railway stations were the most polluted areas in the Hunter and other regional areas of NSW.
The launch was held at Belmont Wetlands State Park, which is a notorious illegal dumping site, together with NSW Minister for Lands Tony Kelly. The Minister also announced a three-year commitment to address problems such as illegal dumping in Crown reserves.
Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO urged Hunter residents and other regional centres around the state to be alert for illegal dumpers and also to take action on Clean Up Australia Day on March 1 to tackle other problem rubbish areas.
The most polluted sites across NSW in 2008 (the highest average number of rubbish items per site type during the 2008 Clean Up Australia Day) were:
1. Outdoor transport areas – Ave. 512 items per site
2. Roadways – Ave. 286 items per site
3. Beach/Coastal – Ave. 264 items per site
4. Parks/Waterfront – Ave. 257 items per site
5. School Grounds – Ave. 249 items per site
“The hidden menace of illegal dumping in areas such as state parks, sporting grounds and local parks must be addressed. Volunteers are reporting increasing incidences of domestic and construction rubbish dumping in places such as Belmont Wetlands State Park,” Mr Kiernan said.
“It’s unfortunate that the states natural environment and our urban transport areas have also become a dumping grounds for rubbish.
“Last year, significantly more rubbish such as plastic bottles, cans and chip packets were found in outdoor transport areas than in any other location in NSW.
“No one likes to see rubbish lying around and damaging our beautiful natural environment. It’s easy to ignore hidden sites, but there is no excuse along transport areas and roadways.
“That’s why I’d like to see everyone in New South Wales out on Clean Up Australia Day Sunday 1 March helping to clean up the state. After all, if you don’t help Clean Up Australia, who will?”
Clean Up Australia Day has been made possible through the support of major sponsors: McDonald's, Veolia Environnement and Commonwealth Bank, sponsors: Sanyo, suppliers: Pro Safety Gear, Qantas, Shop-A-Docket and Stockland.
Anyone can register a Clean Up site or volunteer simply by going to www.cleanup.org.au or by calling 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329).
For further information of interviews contact Alana Mew, 0423 377 567
