More than 60km of local rivers are being cleaned, with car parts, broken-up pontoons, and sunken boats already removed.
This is the second annual clean-up in a three-year program aimed at improving the Logan and Albert Rivers.
The program targets large items of generational and flood-related waste and debris – such as concrete, timber pallets, tyres and water tanks – from the river banks to the high-water mark.
This year, 43km of the Logan River, from Carbrook to Geoff Philp Bridge at Logan Village, will be cleaned.
Around 18km of the west bank of the Albert River will be covered, starting from the mouth at Eagleby to Stanmore Bridge at Wolffdene.
Deputy mayor Scott Bannan said more than 13,000kg of rubbish was collected in last year’s clean-up.
“… which is a phenomenal amount,” he said.
“We initially undertook a smaller clean-up of the rivers after the 2022 floods to remove flood-related debris.
“To tackle further waste, we then endorsed a three-year clean-up program that is now in its second year.
“The new program is focused on bigger and bulky items that couldn’t be lifted in the initial clean-up.”
He said council aimed to create a clean and green city by preventing unsightly and hazardous items from moving further along the waterways and into Moreton Bay.
“We are a river city and we want to ensure both waterways can be destinations for our residents and visitors alike,” Cr Bannan said.
“They also hold important environmental values as vital movement corridors for wildlife and are home to many different recreational activities on the water as well as along the shore.”
Program manager at OzFish Unlimited Kaidon Anderson said clearing waterways was beneficial to waterlife.
“Ausfish focuses on fish habitat, and it has our experience that when you’re moving all these large pieces of debris form the waterway, it increases the habitat values of the waterway,” he said.
“It is also an amenity issue, these large pieces of debris.
“By removing them from the waterway you are providing further access to the waterways for anglers and everyone who enjoys Logan’s beautiful waters.”
The salvage operation is being carried out by Gold Coast Barges and funded through Logan City council’s environment levy.
