INVESTIGATING the sources of rubbish in local waterways could help clean up Corio Bay, according to the authorities behind a new environmental program.
City of Greater Geelong has joined forces with local catchment management bodies to implement the Caring For Our Bays program.
Work began with volunteers recently collecting rubbish at Corio’s Cuthbertson’s Creek.
Program manager Matt Crawley said the creek results would help set a template for expanding the program to other waterways in the city and “known litter hotspots” on the Bellarine Peninsula foreshore.
The Cuthbertson’s Creek work involved testing water quality and counting and surveying litter, he said.
Geelong councillor Kylie Fisher hoped to “educate and encourage” schools and businesses on looking after nearby waterways as part of the program.
“We want to engage local communities and give them some ownership of looking after and protecting their local areas,” she said.
