Townsville City Council has floated a new initiative to help raise awareness about recycling.
Council and Townsville-based Queensland Containers for Change agent Return-It have teamed up to host the city’s first Return-It Recycle Regatta.
Nominations are now open for teams of up to four people to race boats made from recycled materials at the Rockpool on The Strand.
Acting Mayor and Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the event would be part of the Council’s Australia Day celebrations.
“This will form one of the events of our Aussie Beach Day Out along The Strand on 26 January next year,” Cr Greaney said.
“Regatta competitors will have to make a boat entirely from recyclable material that will be able to float with people onboard.
“They will race against other teams in either the open, junior or emergency services category.
“There’s up to $1000 worth of vouchers up for grabs for category winners, along with prizes for the most creative boat and best-dressed teams.”
Cr Greaney has encouraged anyone interested in competing to register before the 10 January 2022 deadline.
“Get in quick as spots will have to be limited to no more than 30 teams on the day.
“Now is also an excellent time to start collecting all the material you will need to build your vessel.
“The boats can be made from any material able to be recycled and larger than a can of soft drink,” Cr Greaney said.
Townsville Water and Waste Committee chairperson Russ Cook said the regatta was a great opportunity to raise awareness about recycling in the community.
“Council has committed to a zero waste to landfill future by 2030,” Cr Cook said.
“Through initiatives like the Return-It Recycle Regatta, we can get the community to think about ways to recycle waste and help divert it from going to landfill.
Council and Return-It will recycle all the materials from the boats following the event.
The race is open to competitors aged 10 years old and older.
