Dozens of shopping trolleys found in Ipswich’s Bremer River clean-up

Dozens of shopping trolleys, vehicle tyres, building and construction waste have been removed from the Bremer River after a clean-up of the Ipswich waterway.

Volunteers removed 50 shopping trolleys from the Bremer River. Picture: Ipswich City Council

Dozens of shopping trolleys, vehicle tyres, building and construction waste have been removed from the Bremer River after a clean-up of thee Ipswich waterway.

The river, which divides the Nicholas Street Precinct and Riverlink Shopping Centre in North Ipswich, is one of the tributaries of the Brisbane River.

In a recent clean-up workers found more than three tonnes of rubbish in four days.

The waste included 50 shopping trolleys, vehicle tyres, building and construction waste, food and drink packaging and wrappers.

Workers removed 50 shopping trolleys in Bremer River. Picture: Ipswich City Council

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the clean-up was an annual event aimed at improving the waterway’s health.

“While rivers like the Bremer are (managed) by the Queensland Government, Council recognises the importance of this work to the health and cleanliness of our waterways,” Cr Harding said.

“So council takes the responsibility of rubbish removal for the benefit of the environment and our community.

Workers removed more than three tonnes of rubbish from the Bremer River. Picture: Ipswich City Council

“By removing floating debris and litter from the riverbank, we are removing pollutants and ensuring the waterway is not being impeded from flowing.

“Council continues to respond to reports of abandoned trolleys, engaging retailers and their trolley collection contractors.

“We are a river city and it’s important we all do what we can to care for our waterways.

“If you see anyone littering or dumping, please report it so we can stop it.”

Local laws ban shoppers removing trolleys from a retail premises without the owner’s permission. On-the-spot fines of more than $308 applied.

Littering or illegal dumping could also result in a fine of up to $774,000.

Originally published as Dozens of shopping trolleys found in Ipswich’s Bremer River clean-up