Waves Of Change

Eco Barge’s Circular Economy Art Project Unveiled At Whitsunday Coast Airport

Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. is proud to announce the unveiling of the Waves of Change community art project at the Whitsunday Coast Airport. This stunning artwork, crafted from a small portion of the 252,331 bottle top lids collected during marine debris clean-ups in 2024, is a powerful symbol of the urgent need to transition from a take-make-waste model to a sustainable circular economy.

The Waves of Change project was made possible, in part, with grant funding from the Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) Program, an initiative of the Queensland Government, delivered by the Resources Centre of Excellence. Eco Barge was selected as one of six successful applicants, demonstrating our commitment to industry-led innovation that drives environmental sustainability.

In 2024 alone, Eco Barge volunteers collected and removed 6,705 kilograms of marine debris from the Whitsunday Islands. With support from Endeavour Group and the dedication of Eco Barge’s volunteers, who spent their Saturdays creating the piece, the recovered plastic bottle tops were transformed into a powerful artwork. The project was part of the weekly Art Wave sessions run by Eco Barge volunteer Ruth Puddefoot, and aims to highlight the impact of plastic pollution on our marine environment.

To celebrate this community-driven initiative, a special competition is underway at the Whitsunday Coast Airport! Visitors are invited to guess the total number of bottle top lids used in the Waves of Change artwork, with the lucky winner receiving an unforgettable family trip to the Great Barrier Reef, generously sponsored by Cruise Whitsundays.

“This project is a powerful reminder that every single person plays a role in protecting our oceans. If we dispose of litter responsibly on land, we prevent it from becoming marine debris that threatens our beautiful islands and marine life here in the Whitsundays,” said Libby Edge, Founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc.

Whitsunday Coast Airport Director Craig Turner said “Waves of Change” is more than just a beautiful installation – it’s a visual statement about our community’s commitment to sustainability.

“We're proud to host this powerful piece at the airport, where it will inspire both locals and visitors the moment they arrive in the Whitsundays.

“This collaboration with Eco Barge highlights the impact we can make when passionate people, local organisations, and industry work together.

“The airport is the gateway to the Whitsundays, and we’re honoured to help share the message of circular economy and marine protection with the world.

Eco Barge would like to thank their volunteers, Endeavour Group, Whitsunday Council and Cruise Whitsundays for their invaluable support in bringing Waves of Change to life.

For more information on Eco Barge’s ongoing marine conservation efforts or to enter the Waves for Change contest, visit www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au/circularity

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Endeavour Group who sorted the bottle top lids into colours with Founder of Eco Barge Libby Edge and Volunteer Kelly Cronin.

Founder of Eco Barge, Libby Edge, Ruth Puddefoot and Kelly Cronin.

Airport Staff, Endeavour Group, Eco Barge Volunteers and Founder of Eco Barge Libby Edge.

Ruth Puddefoot who coordinated the Saturday art project.

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