Polystyrene spill covers Maroochydore to Alexandra Headland beaches

Tiny, toxic pieces of polystyrene are littering the iconic coastline from Alexandra Headland to Maroochydore, prompting an emergency beach clean up on Saturday. VIDEO, PHOTOS

More than 100 people are scouring the shores from Alexandra Headland to Maroochydore after a polystyrene spill emergency.

Volunteers were notified of small “bead like” pieces of polystyrene at the water’s edge on Friday about 3pm, rapidly dispersing throughout the dunes.

Ten Little Pieces founder Alison Foley was encouraging residents to get to the beach to help the clean-up.

She said more than 100 people armed with cotton bags and pillowcases were already assisting, as well as a beach grader.

Alison Foley with volunteers helping clean up polystyrene at Maroochydore.

Ms Foley said groups and volunteers were calling it a “beach party with a difference”, with the efforts continuing into the afternoon and Sunday.

A Sunshine Coast Council gazebo is at the Alexandra Headland skate park with cotton bags.

“It’s been an extraordinary community collaboration,” Ms Foley said.

More than 100 people are helping in the emergency clean-up after a polystyrene spill at Maroochydore and Alexandra Headland beaches.

“The answer to this is very much people power.”

She said the beads were dispersed throughout Maroochydore and Alexandra Headland’s water line to the dunes.

“Once you see it you can’t unsee it,” Ms Foley said.

While machinery has assisted in the clean up Ms Foley said “people power” was critical.

“We’ve had people on their hands and knees across the sand picking this stuff up.”

She recommended bring a cotton bag or a pillow case instead of plastic bags.

“Polystyrene is durable and has acute aquatic toxicity, we‘re at the beginning of turtle nesting season and this region has 300 endangered and vulnerable species so it’s really heartening to see the community band together,” she said.

“Most important thing is to get people down here as quickly as possible . every little piece we can capture makes a difference.”