NEWS / BLOG

The Fitzroy Partnership approach: Supporting litter reduction The partnership’s commitment to improved water stewardship outcomes in the region is both at a partner and community level. One element that supports this community aim is the local ‘Drain Buddies’ project. Drain Buddies are at-source litter traps embedded at various locations across Central Queensland to determine ‘what’s down our drains’? There is already  significant evidence that oceans are overwhelmed with plastic litter. The Fitzroy Partnership for River Health project gathers more data locally to support  community action to address what is becoming an increasingly significant global problem. Drain Buddies are heavy-duty baskets placed in litter hotspots, usually in stormwater systems. Stormwater systems include drains and infrastructure that are designed to drain excess ground and rainwater away from commercial and residential properties. This includes water from sidewalks, paved streets, parking lots, and roofs. Stormwater systems play a substantial role in transferring litter to discharge points such as creeks, rivers, and beaches. Higher litter source areas relate to the more highly populated and heavier foot trafficked areas such as residential and commercial areas. The Drain Buddies capture around 2.5 tonnes of litter every year from stormwater systems, destined to end up in waterways and eventually the ocean. [...]

Queensland Government: Expanding the container refund scheme From 1 November 2023, glass wine and pure spirit bottles will be eligible for a 10-cent refund when returned to a container refund point in Queensland. Over 6,600 Queenslanders recently provided feedback on expanding the container refund scheme during the consultation process. There was overwhelming support for expanding the scheme, which currently includes most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard drink containers. More than 99 per cent of Queenslanders were in favour of more containers being included. Before 1 November 2023, glass wine and spirit bottles will not be accepted at refund points and should still be placed in your yellow lid bin or taken to your local transfer station, where these services are available. At container return points, you can direct the 10-cent refund payment to a registered community group. Some groups even run their own container donation  points to retain the refund payment. Not only will you be giving back to your community, you are also helping to keep waterways clean and free of litter and  reducing landfill. More information: Containers for Change Eligible containers Consultation results