4th - 8th October 2007
When Leigh Creek SES Deputy Unit Manager Stuart Paxton spoke to his Unit Manager Arthur Tanner he listened to his idea with interest. Stuart was concerned about the increasing number of discarded tyres and other debris littered along the Strzelecki Track. He was sure that together with the other SES Members and some community and industry support that they could lead an environmental clean-up of the area.
Plans were made and sponsors were approached to assist with this monumental task. By the time the final arrangements were made, various agreements for financial support and other assistance had come in from:
· Santos - Moomba
· Dept of Transport, Energy & Infrastructure – North/West
· SA Arid Lands NRM Board
· Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
· Dept of Environment & Heritage – NP & WS Innaminka
They travelled for 1300Km over four nights and five days. Tents under the stars became their home for two nights and the other two nights were spent in luxury accommodation at the Ranger Huts. Following the Strzelecki Track from Leigh Creek they stopped at Moomba then drove along as far as Innaminka then returned.
In summary, at the end of their journey these 14 people (including 8 SES members from Leigh Creek) using 1 truck and 6 vehicles had collected 3 truckloads of tyres and 10 trailor loads of large debris over 5 days. Quite an amazing feat!
At the end of their journey all were tired and dusty, but they also agreed that this had been a great adventure and a bonding experience they would remember for a long time. Would they do it again? They’re already making plans for next year!
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