Media Release - 8 September, 2006

Protect the Kimberley’s unspoiled beauty from waste dumping

The reputation of the Kimberley as one of Australia's most spectacular natural places would be in jeopardy if residents did not travel thousands of kilometers to remove dumped waste from roadsides, coastal areas and campsites as part of the Clean Up the Kimberley Weekend, Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO said today.

Mr Kiernan was in Broome to help launch the 2006 Clean Up the Kimberley Weekend to be held on October 21 and 22, and congratulated communities of the North West for their commitment to protecting the region's environment since the campaign first started in 2001.

"Some people drive more than a thousand kilometers to help out and many others scour the length of the Gibb River Road to make sure the Kimberley remains famous for its rugged unspoiled beauty.

"This year is the first time that all areas of the Kimberley are being targeted for a clean up, so it is important that residents across the region and visitors all get involved."

The launch of the Clean Up the Kimberley Weekend will be at 11am, Friday 8 September, 2006 at Cable Beach Club Boardwalk, Cable Beach Road at Cable Beach, Broome.

Mr Kiernan urged locals and travelers to get involved and register a site that needed attention or to volunteer at any of the sites already online at www.cleanup.com.au/kimberley or by calling 1800 282 329.

Mr Kiernan said the efforts of volunteers on the Clean Up the Kimberley Weekend are reinforced by five other campaign initiatives that ensure the region is not just cleaned up but communities given the tools they need to bring about long term environmental protection.

"Clean Up Australia is working with organiser Jake Zahl and key sponsor COLORBOND® steel on education programs for schools, local communities and travelers to improve waste management in the region."

The six elements of the Clean Up the Kimberley campaign include the Kimberley Say No to Plastic Bags program, Leave Space for your Waste awareness campaign aimed at independent travelers, Kimberley Kids Clean Up Kit, regional recycling initiatives and local ‘fix up' projects working with Shire Councils.

Mr Kiernan also acknowledged local sponsors BGC Contracting, Kimberley Wilderness Adventures, Hutchinson Real Estate, WIN Television and Kimberley Waste Services for their ongoing and valued support of the Clean Up the Kimberley Weekend.

Further information: Jake Zahl, 0417 903 973