Almost 1500 aerosol spray paint cans have been removed from a section of northern Illawarra bushland that's become a popular, secluded spot for graffiti artists.
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The discovery of the discarded cans, which appear to have exploded in number over the past year, has prompted a Wollongong environmentalist to plead with graffiti artists - and other recreational users - to treat the area with respect.
The cans were among hundreds of kilograms of rubbish removed from an old mine site, located in the bush behind Austinmer and Thirroul, during Lloyd Steadson's second annual Clean Up Australia Day event.
A team of 23 volunteers - including families with children, scout groups and nearby residents - joined Mr Steadson to pull on some gloves and get to work on Sunday.
As a result of their efforts, 30 bags of rubbish - weighing a total of about 500 kilograms - were collected.
Among the litter haul were 1440 spray paint cans; left behind by graffiti artists who've been using the inside of an old concrete tank as a canvas for their masterpieces.
This year's can collection came after eco-warriors removed about 600 spray cans from the area in 2018 and Mr Steadson said there were still "a few hundred" to be collected next week.
The 27-year-old described the graffiti as "amazing" but said while the art was a welcome sight, the rubbish was not.
"Every time I go there there’s new artwork, which is really high quality. It’s just a shame [they leave rubbish behind]," he said.
“Last year when we cleaned up, we cleaned up outside the tank and it was atrocious.
"They’ve kind of kept their cans inside the tank this year, and their rubbish, which is good for the outside ... but still everything leaches through.
"It’s a safe place for them to do that [graffiti], I just want to encourage respect of the environment."
Mr Steadson, who used to live in the area, said the number of recreational users had increased in the past three years and the focus of his clean-up was “taking it back to pristine”.
The environmentalist said mountain bikers had "a lot more respect now" and were carrying rubbish bags with them to help keep the bush clean - an idea he hoped others would take on board.
Other items collected on Sunday included old mine remains, furniture, old bikes, clothes, bottles and cans.
To help at future events, email Mr Steadson: lloyd_steadson@hotmail.com
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
