Media Release 15 October 2006

More than 1000 people will drive hundreds of kilometres to remove rubbish polluting popular campsites, roadsides and coastal areas in the Kimberley on

The reputation of the Kimberley as one of Australia's most spectacular natural places would be in jeopardy if residents and businesses involved in the region had not taken action to address what has become an increasing problem of dumped rubbish and pollution, Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO said.

"A record number of people will be involved next weekend at more than 60 sites across the Kimberley," Mr Kiernan said.

"The focus for everyone will be to remove buried and dumped rubbish before the next wet season carries it into the Kimberley's wild and often inaccessible areas."

"Some people will drive more than a thousand kilometres to help out and many others, including Indigenous communities and school children, will scour the Gibb River Road to make sure the Kimberley remains famous for its unspoiled beauty."

As the first part of the Clean Up the Kimberley campaign, which has six stages and stretches year-round, next weekend's community clean up event has already registered double the number of participants involved last year.

Broome local resident Jake Zahl first started a clean up of problem areas in 2001 after he saw first hand the damage being done by rubbish left behind on roadsides and campsites in the Kimberley.

"Clean Up Australia is working with organiser Jake Zahl and principal partner 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.

"With practically every building across the Kimberley featuring at least a roof made from COLORBOND® steel, this is a program we are very keen to support," said David Bare of BlueScope Steel. "As part of the 40th birthday of COLORBOND® steel, we wanted to give something back to those communities, like those across the Kimberley, that have supported us."

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 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
Paul Sheridan, 0410 516 656