ALBAA Lower Hunter Environmental Action Catherine Hill Bay

28 June 2008

On the 28th of June 2008 the Australian Land Based Anglers Association (ALBAA) held another ‘Ledge Care’ event, as a combined effort between its Central Coast and Lower Hunter teams. This Clean up event was staged with the support of Lake Macquarie City Council and Clean Up Australia.

The focus of this action was the prominent rock ledge at the southern point of Catherine Hill Bay.

A pre-event fishing session at Catho proved the Hunter Clean up ‘curse’ hadn’t been lifted. Although the bait fishing was very good there was little around to eat it! A couple of hours throwing a diver around proved that there was still the odd Salmon and Bonnie about although for the effort the results left a little to be desired. While the fishing was slow it was a very warm morning for the time of year and the guys were happy to be in T shirts shortly after sunrise.

The Clean up started slightly behind schedule but all were in good spirits for what was turning out to be a stunning winters day. The call was made to concentrate on the ‘Catho Glass situation’. With seven bodies and plenty of bags we set about the arduous task of picking up the pieces one at a time. A safety briefing prior to clean up proved helpful to ensure that all members were equipped with gloves and asked to take care when handling their bags.

The Team still found time to chat with a few of the local and visiting fishermen as well as a couple of local surfers who share the same sort of affinity with the area.

ALBAA would like to extend its gratitude to Karen Mason, Kym Bilham, Alan Godden (Lake Macquarie City Council) and Clean Up Australia for their continued assistance and support.

Round two at CHB saw a large portion of the glass removed from the headland, with enough hands a great outcome was achieved. Although there were areas that had been once again littered with the usual refuse, it was notable that the area was still in much better shape than before our previous efforts a month prior.

ALBAA would like to thank its Central Coast and Lower Hunter members, through their effort and attendance a big step forward was taken for this area.