6 June 2008
MELBOURNE WATER CREATURES ASK US TO PROTECT THEIR HOME
Frogs, native fish and a platypus are spearheading a major Melbourne Water information campaign to protect our urban rivers and creeks.
From today, Melburnians will be reminded how oil leaks from cars, dog poop left on nature strips and paint brushes washed in drains badly affect our waterways.
The “I love living here” campaign shows that it’s not just humans that rely on healthy streams for survival.
“Storm water run-off from suburban streets is a major polluter because of what it picks up and carries into rivers and creeks,” said General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield.
“This campaign is about reducing pollution entering the Yarra and its tributaries.”
Mr Chesterfield said using the creatures that are most affected by the pollution as the voice of the campaign was a clear way to get the message across.
“People need to stop and realise that everything that hits our streets ends up being washed away into our waterways,” he added.
“That can be everything from motor oil left on driveways, to pet droppings not picked up and debris from building sites.
“Many of those substances are dangerous to the health of the fish and animals that live there.
“Water quality in our streams has improved markedly since the 1970s. But while pollution from industrial discharges, waste disposal and unsewered blocks has declined, urban stormwater run-off has increased as Melbourne has grown,” Mr Chesterfield said.
The campaign features radio and newspaper advertising that will run for one month, as well as outdoor billboards.
For more information visit the Melbourne Water website.