Cleaning up Cairns to keep waterways litter-free

Published: 18th September 2026. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

Over 100 people (and dogs) have joined clean-ups across Cairns so far this month, with more than 250kg of rubbish collected from in and around Woodward Park and the Saltwater Water creek channel - Everything from cigarette butts to shopping trolleys!

A further  60kg of debris was cleared from the banks of Freshwater Creek at Glenoma Park last weekend.

September is Clean Up Cairns month. Council has partnered with Clean Up Australia, local Indigenous ranger groups and local community groups to encourage everyone to help keep our future clean.

Clean Ups continue throughout September. Join a project near you and help remove litter from our waterways, improving the health of the Great Barrier Reef and its marine life.

  • Saturday 19 September – Rotary Park/Babinda Creek, Babinda
  • Sunday 20 September – Cairns CBD
  • Saturday 26 September – Moody Creek, Manoora
  • Saturday 26 September – Yorkeys Knob beach
  • Sunday 27 September – Lily Creek, Cairns

Volunteers should wear enclosed footwear, bring sun protection and drinking water. Clean-up kits and gloves will be provided.

Visit our Clean Up Cairns webpage for details.

Last Updated: 18 September 2026

Latest News > All News

Free green waste disposal and sandbags

With the wet season upon us, residents are encouraged to clear excess vegetation from their properties using Council’s free green...

Environment & Sustainability
10 November 2026

Have your say on future dog off-leash areas

Are you a regular user of any of Cairns’ designated dog off-leash areas? Cairns Regional Council is seeking community feedback...

Community & Lifestyle
10 November 2026

New Cairns airport bus cleared for takeoff

Travelling from Cairns airport into the CBD will now be a streamlined experience with the new Route 100 service taking...

Community & Lifestyle
3 November 2026