Media Statements

Environment Minister Andrew Powell has called on a ‘green army’ of volunteers to help clean up Beerburrum Forest near Caboolture on the annual Clean-Up Australia Day this Sunday (3 March).

Mr Powell said pollution caused by illegal dumping was a significant threat to the 22,000 hectare forest plantation and threatened the long-term sustainability of the area.

 “As both the Member for Glass House and the Minister for Environment I am very much aware of the dramatic increase of illegal dumping in the Beerburrum Forest Plantation over the last five years,” Mr Powell said.

“It has become a target for illegal dumping, ruining the amenity for bushwalkers, picnickers, orienteering groups, horse, bike riders and four wheel drive clubs.

“Materials such as asbestos are a health risk, and some of the regular users are now too afraid to use areas because the dumped waste poses a safety risk.

“Ironically, many of the illegally dumped items such as organic materials, drink containers, whitegoods, computers, tyres and car bodies could be beneficially recycled.

“The Newman Government is tackling the problem head-on with the establishment of the Littering and Illegal Dumping Unit within the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.

“We have established the illegal dumping hotspot project which includes motion sensing video surveillance cameras, increased patrols, and heavier penalties to clean up illegal dumping.

“The project is the first of its kind to be centrally coordinated by the Queensland Government and is helping to identify local dumping hotspots, implement local action plans and private industry.”

HQPlantations Regional Manager, Michael Robinson said truckloads of rubbish were collected from the plantation each year, including commercial and dangerous medical waste.

“It is evident that businesses and individuals illegally dump to avoid disposal fees or to save the time and effort required for proper disposal,” Mr Robinson said.

The clean-up of Beerburrum Forest Plantation on Sunday 3 March will commence with on-site briefings at 7.30am and 10am at HQ Plantations’ office on Red Road, Beerburrum.   Signs will direct volunteers to Beerburrum Plantation Oval.

You need to bring gloves, water, sunscreen and a hat.  Refreshments will be provided.

Volunteers can register at http://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/Beerburrum+Forest

ENDS [1 March 2013] 

Contact: Brooke Hargraves 0458 689 043