Photo: Supplied.
RANGER STACEY THOMSON IS PRINCIPAL ADVISER – COMMUNITY EDUCATION (REDLAND CITY COUNCIL)
I know I’m not alone when I say litter is my pet peeve.
Most of us do the right thing with our garbage, while some people are exemplary, cleaning up rubbish that others leave behind – so if that’s you, thanks!
Random rubbish removal is a good deed, a behaviour that can be instilled in our children from a very young age. Simply noticing a stray plastic bag and picking it up can potentially save a turtle, or retrieving discarded fishing line can avoid serious harm to a waterbird.
Since 1989, Clean Up Australia Day in March each year proves what communities can achieve collectively, but even small, individual, daily actions can add up to make a huge difference.
Dropping, tossing, or leaving rubbish anywhere other than in an appropriate bin is not only unsightly, messy, and lazy, it’s unhealthy and damaging to our precious environment.
Our Redlands Coast boasts some of the most pristine and picturesque places in south-east Queensland – it’s where the bush meets the bay! North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and the southern bay islands are popular spots to chill out and bask in nature. The mainland has creeks and wetlands to discover, as well as bushland areas to explore, including Scribbly Gum Reserve, Bayview Conservation Area, and of course my workplace, Redlands Indigiscapes Centre. And, if you haven’t experienced the uniquely wonderful walk to King Island at low tide from Wellington Point, add it to your to-do list!
A diversity of ecosystems in the region provides habitat to more than 1700 native species of flora and fauna. Many of those animals are permanent inhabitants, while others visit at specific times of the year.
Sadly, I’ve seen first-hand how discarded rubbish can impact wildlife, both terrestrial and aquatic. Redlands Coast is a popular destination largely because of the natural environment, so next time you’re outdoors remember the famous quote: “Take only memories and leave nothing but footprints”.
Until next time … Stay Wild!
