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Roxby Downs kicks butt
The Monitor’s resident columnist, Family and Youth Officer, Tom Beever, drew attention to the problem Roxby Downs faces with cigarette butts. “From my perspective I can see there is such a strong concern in our community about cigarette butts that the Family and Youth forum and the Environmental Partnership, are keen to get something done.” “It’s a joint effort and we have linked up to try and solve this problem,” Mr Beever said. One of the Environmental Partership’s sub-groups – waste management - chaired by Adam Bester, has begun a campaign to rid the town of this unsightly environmental hazard. Mr Bester said he believed many people failed to realise how long it took for butts to bio-degrade, which could take up to 10 years. “People have no idea how long these things take to break down, how far they can be blown into the countryside or how many problems they can cause for our native animals,” he said. Both Mr Beever and Mr Bester had observed many smokers simply stubbed their cigarettes out onto the ground and did not care that it was a criminal offence. “Would most people just drop their litter on the ground? Smokers need to realise that leaving their cigarette butts on the ground it littering and this is not acceptable behaviour,” he said. Sergeant Richard Hobbs of the Roxby Downs police said the fine under the Environmental Protection Act for improperly disposing of cigarette butts and other
Volume 9, Thursday 7th September, 2006
litter was $100. Australians dispose of over seven billion cigarette butts annually - unfortunately in Roxby Downs many of these are carelessly thrown onto the ground. A quick peek into any of the flower beds on Richardson Place reveals a disgraceful number of cigarette butts. In some places – especially next to the bins – there were more cigarette butts than bark chips. Education, Mr Bester said, was the best way to solve the problem and increased access to bins. One plan to solve the issue was to start a program to distribute empty photographic film canisters in all of the businesses across town. These canisters are small and airtight, meaning smokers can easily carry one in their pocket to place butts when there are no bins nearby. The canisters can easily be emptied and re-used. “The film canisters have been tried in a number of other towns with great success and are a positive alternative to leaving (butts) lying on the ground.” “Each canister can fit about 20 butts in it and when it is filled it can either be thrown out or emptied and re-used,” Mr Bester said. Mr Beever asked smokers to think of the environment when disposing of their cigarette butts. “I’d like people who smoke to show some leadership – if you are a smoker and you see these canisters in shops - pick one up. That way you’ll setting a good example for other smokers as well,” he said. Continued on Page 5
This could be your garden
Above: Tom Beever and Adam Bester displaying one of the “butt canisters” they’re asking smokers to use
If you are a new arrival or about to move into a home in one of Roxby Downs new housing developments, you may look out on your barren backyard of red sand and wonder what on earth would grow here? “Spring Fest” our Spring Garden Feature in the centre spread will inspire you to not only establish a beautiful lush garden, but to also grow a wide range of fresh vegetables for your family. Inside you will hear from local residents
who have created lush gardens in the red sands of the region plus tips on maintenance and care. There is a stunning recipe for a salad to die for, and even a little history about the humble garden and some of the more infamous plants. Turn to pages 9, 10 and 11 and find out how you can start an outback garden this Spring Gardening season.
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