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Deeply concerned about the impact of discarded fishing line and tackle on the environment, 2019 Tweed Sustainability Awards Youth category winner Josh Carpenter felt compelled to act.
Josh came up with the Tackle Bin Project, an initiative to trial bait bins at 3 locations across the Tweed.
He then gained funding to install bins at a further 10 locations around the Tweed, partnering with Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers (TVWC) to empty the bins, record data about collected fishing debris and track the number of reduced marine wildlife entanglements.
Now in his second year at Southern Cross University at Lismore studying Marine Science Management, Josh may not be able to physically take part in emptying the bins but continues to monitor the data thanks to the efforts of TVWC.
“From the information gathered, I’ve noticed there are more people using the bins and the amount of discarded fishing line and tackle is reducing,” Josh said.
“This is great for the environment and many different animal species often caught up in lines or tackle.”
As an avid scuba diver whose favourite location is near the mouth of the Tweed River, Josh has seen first-hand the devastating impact of unwanted fishing line and tackle on the marine environment.
Josh admits his studies are taking up much of his time and like everyone, his movements are limited by COVID-19 restrictions, but he would like to see his Tackle Bin initiative expanded to other parts of the Northern Rivers.
He was grateful for his award win to promote his environmental initiative and would encourage any other young people to nominate themselves if they have something they’d like to share that is making a difference.
Nominate in the youth category of the Tweed Sustainability Awards by 6 September 2021 by going to tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-sustainability-awards.
Free masterclass for Sustainability Award entrants
There is now an extra incentive to nominate for the Tweed Sustainability Awards – a free one-day masterclass to further support local environmental champions.
The sustainability masterclass is designed to support participants’ skills and opportunities for existing or new environmental initiatives.
Special guest facilitators, The Joyality Project, will guide participants through activities to strengthen their environmental leadership skills and work together on building and enhancing existing or new environmental projects.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry encouraged anyone and everyone to nominate themselves this year.
“Although life is very different than this time 2 years ago, we’d still like to encourage the community to get behind these awards to have something positive to celebrate this year,” Cr Cherry said.
“We know the Tweed community is passionate about sustainability and looking after the environment and we don’t want anyone to go unrecognised for their efforts, no matter how small they may think it is.
“If you are doing anything in the Tweed to make a positive impact on the environment, we want to know about you and celebrate your actions.
“And one way we will celebrate you just by being nominated, is the opportunity to attend the masterclass to find further inspiration and support. Council is really keen to invest in and strengthen the amazing network of people working for positive environmental outcomes for the Tweed.”
Held every second year, the Tweed Sustainability Awards celebrate champions in our community who are going above and beyond for sustainability in the Tweed. This year, there are 4 award categories:
• Regenerative Agriculture Award
• Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Award
• Tourism and Hospitality Award
• Tweed Sustainability Award
To find out more or to lodge nominations online go to tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-sustainability-awards by 4 pm on Monday 6 September 2021.
The award winners will be announced at a showcase event on Friday 12 November 2021 (subject to COVID-19 restrictions at the time).
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