A LITTER trap is set to be installed soon to stop rubbish flowing into Patterson River. The litter trap is planned for the lower part of Dandenong Creek. Melbourne Water has confirmed that the trap will be designed and installed later this year.
“As part of the Lower Dandenong Creek Litter Action Plan, which is delivered in partnership with Kingston, Greater Dandenong and Casey councils, EPA, and Parks Victoria, we’ll install a litter trap in the lower stretches of the Dandenong Creek which will service more than half of the upstream catchment area that feeds into Patterson River,” a Melbourne Water statement read. “This new litter trap will be complemented by other upstream actions such as improved maintenance of open spaces that litter comes from, and targeted education and engagement campaigns. While we are still finalising the design and approvals, we are planning on installing the new litter trap later this year.
“The Patterson River and adjoining Patterson Lakes are fantastic waterways surrounded by beautiful public open spaces, and we know how much the community enjoys everything these spaces offer. Whether it’s here or other waterways across Port Phillip and Westernport it is always disappointing to see litter, which is why Melbourne Water is committed to working with upstream land managers to do what we can to reduce downstream litter impacts.”
Kingston Council has been advocating for a litter trap for years. In June 2021 it wrote to Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny to ask for funding, and in April 2022 it renewed calls for state government investment into Patterson River (“Patterson River pollution prevention investigated” The News 26/10/22).
Kingston councillor Cameron Howe said the new litter trap would keep local beaches and waterways clean. “Plastic pollution from the Dandenong suburbs will now face a litter trap barrier to entering Patterson River, before our Patterson Lakes waterways and popular bay beaches, which community clamour has been growing for after the original litter trap failed under rainfall four years ago,” Howe said.
“As a red hot issue, the litter trap installation by Melbourne Water this year is welcomed to maintain healthy waterways free of garbage, which ensures the Kingston Coast lives up to its reputation of featuring some of Melbourne’s best beaches.”
On 23 March a public event to clean up Patterson River will take place. For more information on the Paddle for Patterson visit ecocentre.com/events/event/paddle-for-patterson
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 20th March 2024
