ANALYSIS REVEALS REGIONAL WA’S MOST POLLUTED AREAS
Analysis reveals regional WA’s most polluted areas
Media Release - 28 January, 2009
Coastal and bushland areas across regional WA are the most polluted sites in the state, analysis released today by Clean Up Australia has found.
At the launch of the regional Western Australia 2009 Clean Up Australia Day in Albany, Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO revealed that in 2008 coastal areas and beaches topped the state’s most polluted list with an average of 658 items per coastal site.
Bushland areas and school grounds rated as second and third most polluted sites with 444 items and 440 items respectively.
The most polluted sites across WA in 2008 (the highest average number of rubbish items per site type during the 2008 Clean Up Australia Day) were:
1. Beach/coastal – Ave. 658 items per site
2. Public bushland – Ave. 444 items per site
3. School grounds – Ave. 440 items per site
4. Parks/Waterfronts – Ave. 410 items per site
5. River/Creek – Ave. 347 items per site
Mr Kiernan said that a big community effort in regional WA is now needed on Clean Up Australia Day, Sunday 1 March, to help change the situation.
“Regional Western Australia is home to some of the world’s most unique and beautiful natural landscapes. It’s a shame to see them being rubbished,” Mr Kiernan said.
“Particularly in the tourist season, many of Western Australia’s regional beaches and bushland areas unfortunately become dumping grounds for rubbish, such as plastic bottles, cans and chip packets.
“No one likes to see rubbish lying around, especially in our iconic coastal and bushland areas. It’s not only unsightly but it’s also damaging our environment and harming local wildlife.
“That’s why I’d like to see all Western Australians 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?”
Anyone can register a Clean Up site simply by going to www.cleanup.org.au or by calling 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329).
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.
For further information of interviews contact Alana Mew, 0423 377 567
