Recent floods across eastern Australia have resulted in the sad loss of human life and the cost of recovery will affect us all. Perhaps the only positive thing to arise from the devastation is that it’s clear we have to rethink our attitude to waterways.
While the heavy rains on Port Phillip Bay catchments didn’t wash out roads or force people from their homes they did have a major impact on water quality entering the Bay.
stormwater outfall at Werribee South, January 13 2011
The Werribee South stormwater outfall pictured drains a large area of market gardens. The colour of the water is similar to the colour of the local soils. What else is in it is anybody’s guess! Apart from silts, excess nutrients and chemical pollution, stormwater drains also carry plastic and polystyrene objects to the Bay…. long seen as a serious marine pollution issue, but widely accepted as “normal”.
Little Pied Cormorant at Port Melbourne, January 15, 2011 (pic Bill McKenzie)
The solution to the plastics problem should be almost cost free. Just don’t drop the stuff on the streets in the first place! Meanwhile, why not share the love and follow up Valentine’s Day (February 14) with some local community action on Clean Up Australia Day (March 6). Participation is highly recommended…. makes you feel good!
