Thousands of West Australians turn out to remove dangerous litter
During 2014-15, WA had the worst volume of littering in the country
Environment Minister Albert Jacob today joined enthusiastic Clean Up Australia Day volunteers in Western Australia, where litter was targeted at more than 320 sites across the State.
Mr Jacob volunteered alongside the Quinns Rocks Environmental Group and members of the public to remove litter from the Mindarie-Quinns foreshore reserve.
"Today, from Derby to Esperance and hundreds of sites in between, thousands of West Australians demonstrated their commitment to environmental action when they rolled up their sleeves to clean up litter," he said.
"Litter is a danger to peoples' health and the environment. It can injure and kill wildlife, block drains and cause bushfires.
"As a result of Clean Up Australia Day, many tonnes of dangerous litter have been removed from our beautiful environment. I commend the Western Australian volunteers for their outstanding efforts."
The Minister said while WA's littering rates were gradually improving, the 2014-15 Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index found the State had recorded the worst volume of litter in Australia.
"This statistic clearly demonstrates we have a long way to go," he said.
"It's clear everyone has a role to play in preventing and clearing up litter."
Mr Jacob encouraged people to report littering at http://www.kabc.wa.gov.au/report-littering
Fact File
In WA, during 2014-15, almost 4,000 people were fined for littering
More serious littering attracts fines of up to $5,000 for individuals
The State Government's Litter Prevention Strategy for Western Australia 2015-2020 is located here
Minister's office - 6552 5800
