Clubs cleaning up the river
FINDING old tyres, chemical drums, chip packets, chocolate wrappers, plastic drink bottles and even an inflatable dinghy that was beyond repair is all part of the reality of Wellington’s Clean Up Australia Day effort in previous years.
This Sunday, the Wellington Progress Action Group and Western Paddlers NSW will once again hold a clean up day focusing on the riparian environment near the intersection of the Bell and Macquarie rivers.
Not only is it a recreational area frequented by walkers, paddlers and anglers, but the river can also be a collection point for rubbish, making it far less appealing for both humans and local wildlife.
“Healthy rivers are important for recreation, outdoor sports and for our mental health,” Western Paddlers NSW president Bron Powell said.
“But rivers can transport the rubbish into other areas, which makes it difficult for the fish and platypus that make it their home.”
Bron has participated in many Clean Up Australia Day campaigns along with other regular rubbish collecting expeditions.
Unfortunately, one of the most scenic spots in town is also one of the most frequented areas for litterbugs and a passageway for floating rubbish.
“The amount of rubbish has been increasing as consumerism increases, including the amount of single use plastic,” Bron said.
“You see rubbish all the time around the river area. It’s really disappointing, not nice to see.”
Bron believes that solving the problem requires a multi-faced approach.
“I think education is important, teaching people the value of the river. In terms of the rubbish, the businesses that produce the food packaging also need to take some responsibility and the government needs to be willing to do something.”
Between the land and water-based groups, up to 40 people are expected to attend this weekend’s clean-up effort which will be followed by a picnic lunch.
The clean-up starts at Oxley Park near the low-level bridge at 8am, and the paddle starts at the causeway on Falls Rd, 7.45am, and paddles down to Oxley Park.
Western Paddlers NSW hold regular clean-up days in the area.
An upcoming microplastics event will be held on March 26. For more information or to join in, email westernpaddlersnsw@ gmail.com