RESIDENTS are being urged to have some pride.

The region is messy, we have lazy residents who dump their rubbish on our beaches, in our gutters and on our streets.

The ramifications are often worse than the ignorant litter bug may realise.

Founding chairwoman of Eco Barge Libby Edge said her organisation had picked up more than 130 tonnes of litter from around the region.

"I think the public needs to be aware that their rubbish drains into the marine ecosystems, causing extensive damage," she said.

The upcoming wet season would only compound the problem of street rubbish washing into waterways.

"Mackay has a dumping issue. People have good access to beaches but they think it's okay to leave their rubbish," Ms Edge said.

"It's about respecting the beautiful place we live. It's a sad issue."

Peter Goussard, who contributed the picture below left, said he noticed the mess on Sunday morning at East Point Beach.

"It's such a nice beach and it looked like a rubbish tip," Mr Goussard said.

Go here to see the original:

Litter by the tonne spoils beaches and kills wildlife