Locals are being urged to roll up their sleeves and head to Harbour Beach on Sunday, 1 March for Clean Up Australia Day, as the community comes together to restore the coastline following recent severe weather.
Running from 7am to 10am at the Surf Club, Harbour Beach, this year’s clean-up carries added significance after heavy wet season rains and Cyclone Koji washed large volumes of debris onto the shoreline.
Organisers say plastics, fishing line and other storm-driven rubbish now scattered along the beach pose a serious threat to marine life — particularly nesting turtles and hatchlings that rely on the area’s sandy dunes.
The event is designed to be family-friendly, offering a hands-on way for children and adults alike to learn about environmental stewardship while enjoying time outdoors.
Whether participants can spare half an hour or stay for the full three-hour window, all help is welcomed.
In addition to the clean-up effort, the morning will also feature a Tangaroa Blue ReefClean monitoring activity for those keen to take their involvement a step further.
Budding “citizen scientists” will have the opportunity to learn how marine debris surveys are conducted, including transect monitoring techniques, and gain insight into the growing issue of microplastics along the coastline.
It’s an ideal chance for anyone curious about beach monitoring processes to see firsthand how data is collected and used to support long-term environmental protection.
Organisers encourage residents to bring family and friends and make a morning of it — combining community spirit with meaningful action.
With turtle nesting season underway and coastal ecosystems still recovering from recent weather events, community participation will play a key role in restoring Harbour Beach.
Those wishing to register can do so online via the official Clean Up Australia Day website, register.cleanup.org.au/fundraisers/donnajackson/clean-up-australia-day---mackay-harbour.
Clean Up Australia Day events will be held across the nation. Photo source: Shutterstock
.jpg)
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
