Insights into the “Dirty” Truth behind the Anna Bay Clean Up: a request for partnership
By the South Tomaree Community Association
STCA Inc on Facebook
Huge shoutout to the Anna Bay community for an incredible Clean Up Australia Day Sunday 1st March!
32 legends teamed up to tackle the Birubi Headland, Robinson Reserve, Iris Moore Park, the beach and the coastal sections in-between; along with Gan Gan Road between the Boat Harbour roundabout and the Nelson Bay Road roundabout.
Thanks to a massive effort—including a head start from Anna Bay Public School students on [the preceding] Thursday … we removed 35 large garbage bags of rubbish!
Huge thanks to Birubi Point SLSC, CREST Birubi Beach and South Tomaree Community Association Inc.for your collaboration and leading the charge.
The “Dirty” Truth – What we found:
Newspaper Waste: 45 plastic-wrapped papers found in just 400m. We need biodegradable “plastic” alternatives or a rethink on free delivery.
Personal Wipes: A major issue at the Headland. We need to investigate better bathroom access for overnight visitors and bins in the car park areas.
The 10m Rule: Litter spikes around seating. If a bin isn’t within 10 metres, rubbish (cans, bottles and cigarette butts) end up on the ground. More bins = cleaner public spaces.
The Mower Effect: Council mowing over roadside litter is turning rubbish into microplastics that wash straight into our ocean / port.
Let’s use these insights to work on ways to keep Anna Bay clean and beautiful!
Actions speak louder than words …
Not only did community take action in their clean up, they analysed their haul and then tried to reduce a primary cause for the future.
To: acm.circulation@austcommunitymedia.com.au, renee.french@portstephens.nsw.gov.au, jason.wells@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
Email 2 March 2026 to the Australian Community Media (syndicates for the Port Stephens Examiner)
Port Stephens Examiner – Urgent Concern re Newspaper Litter and Microplastics
I am writing to bring to your attention a significant environmental concern identified during Clean Up Australia Day 2026 in Anna Bay (postcode 2316). The issue directly relates to the delivery and non‑collection of Port Stephens Examiner newspapers and has clear implications for waste management, plastic pollution, and your publication’s community reputation.
What We Found
Within a 400‑metre stretch of Gan Gan Road in Anna Bay, volunteers collected 45 Port Stephens Examiner newspapers in various states of decomposition. Most were still partially encased in their plastic delivery sleeves, which were breaking down into microplastic fragments.
These newspapers had clearly been delivered but never collected. Some were intact, some were waterlogged, and others had degraded into small pieces scattered into vegetation and roadside drains.
This accumulation was found in just 400 metres. Extrapolated across your wider delivery footprint, the volume of abandoned newspapers could be substantial.
Environmental Impacts
The situation creates several environmental and community risks:
- Microplastic pollution: The plastic sleeves break into thousands of particles, entering waterways, storm drains, and eventually coastal marine environments.
- Soil contamination: Newspaper clumps and disintegrating plastics were embedded in roadside soil, affecting local flora and ground‑dwelling wildlife.
- Visual pollution: Bundles of discarded newspapers make high‑visibility areas like Gan Gan Road appear neglected and poorly maintained.
- Wildlife hazards: Plastic films and loose pages present ingestion and entanglement risks for birds and small animals.
- Waste management burden: Community volunteers—not the business responsible for the material—are left to clean up large quantities of distribution waste.
Community Context
This year, 32 community volunteers from the Anna Bay area focused on cleaning:
- Gan Gan Road (Nelson Bay Road roundabout → Boat Harbour roundabout)
- Birubi Headland
- James Paterson Street
- Iris Moore Park
- Surrounding foreshore and coastal areas
While the community was proud to remove 35 bags of rubbish, the volume of newspaper waste from a single business was both unexpected and concerning.
Recommendations for Your Consideration
We ask that the Port Stephens Examiner take steps to help prevent further environmental impact. Possible measures include:
1. Transition to biodegradable or compostable sleeves
Plastic alternatives now exist that break down naturally rather than into harmful microplastics.
2. Review delivery practices
- Stop delivery to addresses where papers are repeatedly uncollected.
- Implement an “opt‑in only” model for free distribution.
- Introduce a regular route review to remove inactive households.
3. Work with the community on solutions
The local community groups including South Tomaree Community Association, and I am confident Port Stephens Council would welcome collaboration on responsible distribution practices and waste minimisation.
4. Run an editorial campaign encouraging collection & proper disposal
You have direct access to the readership; a short recurring message could significantly reduce littering.
Why We’re Contacting You
This isn’t a complaint—it’s a request for partnership.
Your newspaper is an important part of the Port Stephens community. We believe you will want to be informed and will act to reduce avoidable waste linked to distribution practices.
The community would appreciate a response outlining:
- Your initial thoughts on the issue
- Whether you plan to review distribution methods
- Any future steps or trials you may consider
Thank you for taking the time to read this. We look forward to constructive dialogue and positive action to help protect the unique environment of Anna Bay.
