Media Release: NEW LITTER TRAPS FOR THE YARRA ON CLEAN UP DAY

FROM THE MINISTER FOR WATER, MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: Sunday, March 6, 2005

NEW LITTER TRAPS FOR THE YARRA ON CLEAN UP DAY

Minister for the Environment John Thwaites celebrated Clean Up Australia Day today with the announcement of $600,000 for new litter traps to control rubbish entering the Yarra River.

Mr Thwaites said the new litter traps would increase litter collected on the river by an estimated 180 cubic metres per annum, equivalent to 4.5 semi trailer loads of litter per year.

“The traps will remove the many plastic and glass beverage containers, cigarette butts and plastic bags that are regularly found in and around the Yarra,” Mr Thwaites said.

“The $600,000 will fund a series of nets that will form a major litter trap at the Prahran Main Drain, one of the major sources of litter into the River, and an additional three floating traps for the lower Yarra.”

Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman and Founder of Clean Up Australia, congratulated the Bracks Government on getting behind Clean Up Australia Day and making this substantial investment in getting litter out of the Yarra River.

“The Yarra is one of Melbourne’s best assets and keeping it clean is the responsibility of all people living in its catchment,” Mr Kiernan said.

Mr Thwaites said the recent storm in Melbourne highlighted the need to be vigilant about litter.

“The Bracks government through Melbourne Water committed $1 million in emergency clean up and repair work after the storm – with tonnes of litter following into the Yarra and the Bay.”

Melbourne Water manages almost 4,000 kilometres of rivers and creeks and invests $23 million annually on protection and improvement projects. These projects include litter traps and wetlands to minimise litter and pollution entering waterways.

Mr Thwaites said the new traps will also remove significant quantities of organic litter such as leaves and branches.

“Today’s announcement marks the start of a partnership approach involving EcoRecycle Victoria, Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria, working together to improve the condition of Melbourne’s principal waterway,” said Mr Thwaites.

“These agencies, together with EPA Victoria, will work with local government and industry. The partnership aims to deliver long-term improvements through source reduction, education and infrastructure.”