A small group of locals and holidaymakers got a head start on Clean Up Australia activities last month with a beach clean-up around St Leonards pier.
Organised by Moolap resident, Glenn Richards and supported by Bellarine Catchment Network, the clean-up netted around 40 kilograms of litter. Mr Richards is a regular at the pier where he frequently swims and dives and has long been concerned at the litter along the beach and in the water.
Cigarette butts, plastic and glass bottles, aluminium cans, wet wipes and plastic food packaging were among the rubbish picked up along the beach, while under the pier Mr Richards found handfuls of fishing line wrapped around the pier pylons and ladders.
City of Greater Geelong supported the clean-up by collecting and disposing of the rubbish.
Volunteers across Geelong and the Bellarine will be out in force on Sunday 1 March 2020 for Australia’s annual clean-up event. Visit Clean Up Australia to join an existing activity or register your own clean-up event and receive a free starter kit containing bags and gloves.
Glenn Richards – Moolap resident
I was diving off the pier last year and found a couch in the water. I’ve also seen plenty of tyres and camping equipment such as chairs and broken tents.
It’s such a unique and beautiful space and I wanted to do something to improve the area. It was great to see some people who were on holiday in St Leonards join in and help with the clean-up.
I encourage everyone to take care of this special place by using a bin or taking their rubbish home with them.
