A multi-million plan is under way to rid Moreton Bay of litter over the next five years.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the $35 million project would involve installing specialised stormwater filtration devices to high litter areas across the region north of Brisbane.
Premier Crisafulli said an estimated 6000 wheelie bins’ worth of plastic and litter would be removed from Moreton Bay each year up until 2030.
He said the Zero Litter to the Bay by 2030 initiative would see the Government work with local governments and land holders to upgrade the stormwater network.
“The $35 million program will include installing new stormwater treatment assets to build on the missing links of the existing network, focusing on high litter generating areas.
“Moreton Bay is one of Queensland’s most environmentally diverse ecosystems, and we are acting to stop thousands of wheelie bins worth of waste from pouring into it every year.”
Premier Crisafulli said the investment in conservation, science and technology would protect marine life and restore the region’s waterways.
Ocean Protect Principal Environmental Engineer Brad Dalrymple said the filtration devices had a strong track record.
“These stormwater treatment assets are highly effective at preventing litter from entering the Bay,” Mr Dalrymple said.
“When rain falls, it washes our streets clean and sweeps pollution away, straight into stormwater pipes, our waterways, and ultimately Moreton Bay,” he said.
“If we can stop that pollution from flowing to our waterways, that’s fantastic, and we have the technology to make it happen.”
