Volunteer group targets river rubbish removal as part of Clean Up Australia Day efforts

THE Richmond River chapter of OzFish Unlimited will target a key stretch of the river at South Ballina for rubbish removal as part of Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, March 1.

Volunteers are invited to take part in the clean-up at a long-running saltmarsh restoration site along the Richmond River, where previous efforts have removed up to 500 kilograms of debris.

The event will focus on a bend in the river where rubbish continues to accumulate, including debris left behind by past floods.

Saltmarsh plays a critical role in river health and provides habitat for many recreationally targeted fish species.

Local project manager Zoe White said volunteers would work both on land and on the water to reach hard-to-access areas.

“The saltmarsh and mangroves naturally trap a lot of rubbish, so we’ll be collecting debris there as well as out on the river,” White said.

“By removing rubbish from these areas, we’re restoring crucial habitat for local fish populations.”

The clean-up will start at Forks Reserve, with volunteers working along the riverbanks and on the water.

More information is available via the OzFish Unlimited Richmond River chapter.