The recent Clean up Australia Day saw a fleet of 4WDs converge in the popular Olney and Wyong State Forests to remove a staggering seven tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish.

Volunteers from three of the 4WD clubs affiliated with the peak user group, Four Wheel Drive NSW & ACT, organised the Clean Up Australia Day event to help protect our local State forests.

The Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squads and Forestry Corporation supported the day for the benefit of all State forest visitors, said Forestry Corporation Partnerships Leader, Michael Hill.

“We’re really grateful for everyone’s support over Clean Up Australia Day, particularly volunteers from Newcastle & Districts 4WD Club, Port Hunter 4X4 Club and the Land Rover Owners Club of Sydney.

“All up we saw 45 volunteers including five kids, 25 four wheel drives and eight trailers join forces to make a huge improvement to our natural environment.”

Of the rubbish removed, around half was household; a quarter industrial and a quarter dumped vehicles and parts, including 100 vehicle tyres and a boat.

The event also saw RID Squads on site to support the local effort. RID Squads are regionally based teams that specialise in combating and preventing illegal dumping.

The RID Squad is a joint program between local councils and the NSW EPA, funded by the waste levy.

“We’re really pleased with the results from Clean Up Australia Day, and ask for everyone’s help in keeping these areas free from rubbish by reporting details of any illegal dumping they witness or discover,” Mr Hill said.

"If you see dumping or find any illegally dumped material, please report it to the Report Illegal Dumping Line on 131 555 or ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au.”

To find out more how Forestry Corporation works with the community to protect State forests, visit www.forestry.corporation.com.au.

Media contact: Rod Campbell