The largest clean-ups of shorelines and waterways ever held around the State are underway following the recent damaging floods and storms.
Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro said the State-wide clean up would see crews use innovative technology and aerial surveillance marking where debris and waste was located.
“Crews have already made a significant start by mapping the debris and waste discovered submerged in our rivers, on shorelines and in the sea,” Mr Barilaro said.
“They have already covered an immense area from the Victorian border to north of Coffs Harbour,” he said.
Mr Barilaro said crews had tagged more than 1,000 items for clean-up, including parts of caravans; chemical drums and containers; agricultural waste; large hay bales; cars; and damaged buildings.
Minister for the Environment, Matt Kean said the floods and storms had a significant impact on water quality and reminded the community to be careful of debris in the water and report large waste build-up on any public lands.
“The clean-up will take time and we ask people to be patient but more importantly ask them to remain safe, whether they are involved in the clean-up or using their local waterways and beaches,” Mr Kean said.
He said members of the community could assist with the clean-up efforts by reporting flood debris in rivers and beaches to the Environment Line on 131 555 or by emailing the Environment Protection Authority at [email protected].
