27 January, 2023 - Beach Furniture Clean Up Commencing In Wongaling Beach
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council will soon be starting a clean-up program of items left on our beaches and foreshore areas.
It is great to take a chair down to the beach to enjoy the scenery, but we ask that you take it to the beach, enjoy it and then take it home when you are done.
Cassowary Coast Councillor and Environment portfolio holder Jeff Baines said we are lucky to have World Heritage environment, oceans, and beaches right on our doorstep.
“For many of us, the beach is our happy place, a place we can turn to whenever we need it. It is a place for memories, and we all have a role to play to help protect our environment for the enjoyment of future generations. Items left behind on the beaches can breakdown over time and pollute our environment, or even impact our wildlife.
“It also looks untidy and could be a potential risk becoming airborne, causing damage if a cyclone or storms hits our region.
“To address the issue of furniture and other items left on our beachfronts, the Beach Furniture Clean Up Program will commence in early 2023 with Council officers attending Wongaling Beach from Monday 20 February, weather permitting.”
Councillor Baines said that Council has established the program to clear unapproved structures, furniture, boats and debris that is left on the beach and to give owners the opportunity to remove any items within fourteen days.
“After this time, Council Officers will remove the item and store it at a Council depot for up to 30 days for collection. A fee of $63 per item will be applicable for items when they are collected. After the 30 days, Council will dispose of, auction or donate items to a local charity.
“I understand that for some, these items are part of a tradition and Council will be looking to provide permanent alternatives across key locations in the future. For now, we are requesting the support of our community to ensure that these items return home with you when you leave.”
Cassowary Coast residents who would like to apply to have a structure, such as picnic tables, benches, or memorials, can view Council’s Park and Street Furniture Donation and Memorial Plaque Policy for more information on this process and the application criteria.
Let’s keep our paradise clean, and when visiting the beach, leave only footprints in the sand when you leave. Council sincerely thanks and appreciates our community’s support.
Interested community members can find out more information on the Beach Furniture Clean Up Program by visiting yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/beach-clean. Alternatively, please contact Council by emailing enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au or via phone at 1300 763 903.