Clean Up Australia Day is fast approaching, taking place on Sunday, 1 March 2026, and once again it’s a powerful reminder of the role we all play in protecting the places we love. This week, Inland Fisheries Service staff have been out across the state lending a hand—removing litter and helping restore the natural beauty of our inland waterways.

Unfortunately, it’s a familiar story: the stunning environments that support our trout fisheries are too often marred by rubbish left behind by a small minority. Every piece of litter affects not only the landscape, but also the health of the waterways, the wildlife that relies on them, and the fishing experience we all treasure.

The message is simple: if you can take it in, you can take it out.

What may seem like a small act—picking up a stray wrapper, packing out discarded fishing line, or removing rubbish left at a popular access point—adds up when many people pitch in. Those small contributions create a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable environment for everyone who spends time on the water.

As we head toward Clean Up Australia Day, we encourage all anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to do their part. Whether you join an organised event or take a few minutes during your next fishing trip, every action helps protect the environments that support our freshwater fisheries.

If you’d like to get involved, register a clean-up, or simply learn more, visit: www.cleanup.org.au