A Fresh Start for Queensland: Zero Litter to the Bay plan underway
- The Crisafulli Government begins work on its election commitment of Zero Litter to the Bay by 2030.
- $35 million project to install specialised stormwater filtration devices to high litter areas across Moreton Bay.
- Project will remove an estimated 6,000 wheelie bins' worth of plastic and litter from Moreton Bay each year.
The Crisafulli Government has commenced consultation and planning with stakeholders to deliver on its election commitment to remove plastic from Moreton Bay by 2030.
The Zero Litter to the Bay by 2030 initiative will see the Government work with local governments and land holders to upgrade the stormwater network through the installation of specialist filtration devices that stop plastics from entering Moreton Bay and impacting marine wildlife.
The $35 million program will include installing new stormwater treatment assets to build on the missing links of the existing network, focusing on high litter generating areas.
The Crisafulli Government's plan is the first step towards addressing a decade of inaction by the former Labor Government, during which pollution was allowed to flow freely into one of Queensland's most important natural assets.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said Queensland had a responsibility to preserve the pristine Moreton Bay now and for decades to come and Zero Litter to the Bay was critical to achieving it.
"Moreton Bay is one of Queensland's most environmentally diverse ecosystems, and we are acting to stop thousands of wheelie bins worth of waste from pouring into it every year," Premier Crisafulli said.
"By investing in conservation, science and technology, we are protecting marine life, restoring our waterways, and securing the future of Moreton Bay for generations to come."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Zero Litter to the Bay program was the perfect example of tourism and environment working to deliver a Fresh Start for Queensland.
"By bringing the Environment and Tourism portfolios together we are doubling our efforts to protect our natural environment and unlock eco-tourism in the Sunshine State," Minister Powell said.
"What I love about this program is how practical these devices are and the volume of litter we can stop ending up in Moreton Bay.
"Stopping that rubbish from choking our waterways and harming threatened species in the marine park like turtles and dugong is a massive effort, and we will not stop until we get it done."
Ocean Protect Principal Environmental Engineer Brad Dalrymple said the filtration devices have a strong track record.
"These stormwater treatment assets are highly effective at preventing litter from entering the Bay," Mr Dalrymple said.
"When rain falls, it washes our streets clean and sweeps pollution away, straight into stormwater pipes, our waterways, and ultimately Moreton Bay.
"If we can stop that pollution from flowing to our waterways, that's fantastic, and we have the technology to make it happen."
