Three tonnes of rubbish removed

Almost three tonnes of rubbish has been removed from Rileys Island in just four weeks.

The island has been the focus of foreshore cleanups by Kincumber Youth Centre on January 12 and 25 and February 10.

Participants were using inflatable boats to retrieve the debris and litter.

Coordinator Mr Graham Johnston described the waterways as being "infested with plastic" which comprised most of the litter removed.

Brisbane Water Secondary College students and teaching staff walked from their school to take part on Friday, February 10.

Following a brief induction at the boat ramp in Woy Woy channel, including safety requirements needed for the day, they were transported by barge and inflatable boat to the western side of Rileys Island.

"The vast volume of rubbish immediately greeted the students with disused oyster products, tyres, and loaded bags of litter quickly transported to the barges," said Mr Johnston.

The high tide allowed the barges to be positioned just outside the mangroves and students made multiple trips from the foreshore carrying their collected litter.

By noon the vessels returned to the boat ramp and students were given some fun in the inflatable boats.

"The enthusiasm and willingness of the students to complete this tedious and difficult task in wet, uncomfortable conditions has to be applauded," said Mr Johnston.

"All adults present agreed that the success of the day was due to the smooth operations of the entire group.

"As coordinator, a fun and productive day was had with outstanding environmental outcomes achieved for the native plant and animal life on Rileys Island."

Mr Johnston has called for Brisbane Water foreshores to be monitored more closely for the illegal depositing of litter and recommended the placement of more bins adjacent to boat ramps with stickers promoting the policy of clean, litter-free waterways.

Email, 15 Feb 2012 Graham Johnston, Macmasters Beach Surf Club