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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-17/nt-plastic-tax-mandating-recycled-plastic-packaging/103978192>
'An environment group and Indigenous rangers who have been removing tonnes of
rubbish from remote northern Australian beaches are calling on the federal
government to do more to stop plastic being produced.
Gumurr Marthakal executive officer and ranger Marcus Mungal Lacey has been
appalled watching the winds blow rubbish onto the beaches of his remote Elcho
Island home off Arnhem Land.
"Plastic, rubber, foam, big buoys, fenders, tyres, we even found a plastic limb
leg, that was a bit frightening," he said.
"Turtles we've found dead on the beach, you can see the plastic inside the
intestine, it's the same with fish, and birds have swallowed lighters, strings
and especially drink bottle lids."
He is particularly worried about fish consuming increasing amounts of
microplastics.
"Any human being who relies on a source of natural tucker from the coastline is
going to be affected by this," Mr Lacey said.
He wants more effort from the Commonwealth to prevent plastic pollution.
"The sad thing is, it's just going to keep coming," he said.
"All governmental departments should turn and look at what's happening on our
shores."
The rangers have been heartened to receive help from environment group Sea
Shepherd, with volunteers collecting seven tonnes of plastic over a week.
"A big thanks to the Sea Shepherd crew who came along to help us, because it is
a big job for our nine rangers, and it's a long beach," ranger coordinator
William Campbell said.'
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
