Ocean Crusaders awarded funding to help clean our oceans

Ocean Crusaders has been awarded $20,000 in funding for the installation of an automatic bottle cap washing machine.

Based in Hemmant, this charity organisation specialises in waterway cleaning on a large scale, with its Caps Crusade initiative helping to ensure plastic caps don’t end up in the environment but can be recycled into new products.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP recently visited Ocean Crusaders headquarters to congratulate the team and its volunteers on this funding, which is essential to driving change and clean our waterways.

“Thanks to the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities Program, we have delivered an incredible $20,000 to assist the work of Ocean Crusaders, including its team of volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring our oceans, waterways and beaches are clean and safe for all animals,” Mr Vasta said.

“Bonner is home to beautiful waterways, tidal creeks and even islands. We are fortunate to have these gems right in our backyard, which means we all must play a part in protecting them and keeping them clean today and into the future.”

Ocean Crusaders Director Annika Thomson was thrilled by what the funding will mean for the organisation, driving their mission to change Australia’s thinking of plastic and its ‘throw-away society’ mentality.

“Across South East Queensland, there are 2.5 million caps per day being produced, ending up nowhere but in landfill. This is premium plastic,” said Mrs Thomson.

“With this funding we can develop a system to clean them and make it easier for our volunteers to get clean plastic back on the market.”

Mr Vasta said the Stronger Communities Program supported projects that deliver social benefits as part of the government’s continuing commitment to strengthen communities across Australia.

“This investment in local projects under the Stronger Communities Program is about invigorating these organisations and ensuring their continued success,” Mr Vasta said.