Community action to protect Cairns creeks and Reef

Community members are invited to roll up their sleeves and take part in a series of Clean Up Cairns events, held over three weekends from 13 to 28 September.

Local schools, community groups, businesses, and families will come together to clean up creeks, parks, and beaches preventing litter from reaching the Great Barrier Reef.

With the wet season approaching, Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden said the clean ups play an important role in protecting both the community and the environment.

“The obvious benefit of the clean ups is that we remove a large volume of litter from our region that might otherwise be washed out to the Reef with the wet season rains,” Cr Eden said.

“Protecting our environment is something we can all take pride in. These events bring neighbours, friends, schools, and businesses together to make a visible difference in our community.

“A little litter can become a big problem. Every chip packet, coffee cup, or cigarette butt left behind has the potential to end up in the ocean, putting marine life and the reef at risk. Our focus is on stopping the rubbish before it reaches our Reef.”

Since 2019, more than 1,170 volunteers have taken part in 73 clean-ups, removing the equivalent of 168 wheelie bins of litter from the local environment.

Clean Up Cairns events are about more than just rubbish removal, they deliver a lasting impact across the community. By improving creeks and parks today, the program also helps to build long-term pride and a sense of stewardship for the future.

One of this year’s Clean Up events will be at Moody Creek in Manoora on Sunday 21 September, hosted by the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Rangers, who partner with Council through the Clean Creeks program.

“For us, this work is about caring for Country - from the ridges to reef and everything in between; the creeks, the land, and the sea are all connected,” Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Ranger Jiritju Fourmile said.

“We are proud to work with the Cairns community to protect these waterways. By keeping our creeks clean, we’re also continuing our culture knowledge and practise, ensuring the health of the Reef.”

Council Clean Up Cairns events are supported through the Clean Creeks program, funded by the Australian Government.

The program delivers community clean-ups, litter prevention activities, habitat restoration, and data collection across key catchments including the Barron River, Trinity, East Trinity, and Russell Mulgrave. Local Indigenous Ranger groups and community organisations are central partners in this work.

Residents are encouraged to connect with their community by lending a hand for the environment at one of the 11 upcoming Clean Up Cairns events.

Volunteers do not need to register and are encouraged to simply attend on the day with enclosed footwear, gloves, sun protection, and water.

For more information and Clean Up Cairns locations, please visit https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/cleanup.