EPA partnership with Yarra Riverkeeper grows

EPA and the Yarra Riverkeeper have entered into a two-year partnership to boost education of river users and continue advocacy for the health of the river.

Joint patrols to monitor and detect potential impacts on the river health are a shared role between Yarra Riverkeeper Ian Penrose and EPA.

Mr Penrose said “the community connects with the Yarra in different ways and my aim is to encourage community involvement with the river by pointing out its features and many delightful spots - plus to create an understanding of ecology and challenges the river faces.

“Recently our work on the river has reinforced people’s enjoyment of it as a recreational space and a natural setting but increasingly we’re seeing dirty storm water run off and dead fish. A boost to river patrols enables more reporting of pollution and leads to a healthier river.”

Mr Penrose runs up to 60 community education programs annually and regularly patrols the river. He also undertakes tests for dissolved oxygen levels to understand the impacts of tides where fresh water mixes with salt water.

EPA Yarra regional manager Peter Tange said the Yarra River was often at the forefront of the community’s mind given the path it takes through a number of Melbourne suburbs.

“Many people use the river and enjoy what it has to offer. The number of community reports we receive about pollution is encouraging. People are keen to be involved and take responsibility for external influences that may impact on the river.”

Mr Tange said the reports varied from litter and chemical dumping to discharges from building sites and boats.

“EPA staff patrolling the river often turn heads when they’re scoping drains, sampling water quality or temperature and any discharges. We look forward to working with the Riverkeeper on maintaining the Yarra as a valuable Victorian resource.”

EPA and the Yarra Riverkeeper encourage the community to make a difference to the health of the Yarra by reporting pollution to EPA Victoria’s Pollution Watchline on 9695 2777. Visit www.epa.vic.gov.au for more information on EPA. Visit www.yarrariver.org.au or call 0448 YARRA 0 (0448 927 720) for more information.

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