Clean-up at The Haven on Sunday

The Friends of Kurrawyba group will hold its second clean-up at The Haven, Terrigal, in conjunction with Clean Up Australia, on Sunday, December 8 from 8am-10am.

Organiser Matthew McCarthy said the first clean-up was a huge success although the volume of rubbish collected was a shock.

“We will also be having a microplastics talk during the second clean-up because we know that microplastic is a huge problem for our beaches and the ocean,” he said.

“This time we will be looking closely at the different types of rubbish collected during the session so we can determine the major sources and try to come up with ways to minimise what gets thrown away.”

Local divers will participate again to do an underwater clean-up.

“Come and collect some rubbish, find out about Friends of Kurrawyba and enjoy a sausage at the end of the clean-up,” McCarthy said.

“We think it is important for everyone who uses Terrigal Haven, the beach, the water and the boat ramp to take some time to help keep this area clean.”

Friends of Kurrawyba has made a commitment to hold quarterly clean-ups at The Haven and hopes the community will make it a regular event on their personal calendars.

“Friends of Kurrawyba is simply a group of local people who love the ocean,” McCarthy said.

“We swim, snorkel and dive and we are passionate about protecting the many species who live in the area between Terrigal Haven and North Avoca.

“We have grey nurse sharks, turtles, rays, dolphins and many other species, not to mention the magnificent migrating whales who call in to visit.

“All marine species are suffering from the impacts of human pollution.

“Abandoned fishing tackle, tonne-upon-tonne of plastic waste, not to mention the asbestos regularly seen on the beach at Terrigal, all have an impact on the health of our beaches and the wellbeing of the creatures who live in the ocean.

“That is why we have decided to team up with Clean Up Australia once a quarter to dedicate a couple of hours to collecting rubbish at Terrigal Haven.”