By Luke Voogt
A North Geelong park has become “dumping ground” for rubbish according to disgusted residents and workers in the area.
Local resident Robert Derksen said there had been a large build-up of tyres, cans and bottles at Cowies Creek during the past few months.
“As a concerned North Geelong resident I feel deeply sad that the paddock has become a dumping ground.
“At weekends it can be quite busy. A lot of people enjoy the serenity of the environment and the bird life that lives there.”
Mr Derksen said the rubbish was a hazard to children who played at the park and attended a nearby kindergarten.
He said he spoke to other dog-walkers and residents, who were “disgusted” at the pollution, and called on City Hall to clean up the mess.
“I often see council’s contractors mowing the grass and clearing fallen tree branches,” he said.
“But nothing gets done about the pollution in the water. I and many others would like our council to be more responsible.”
Nearby workers told the Indy that local fishermen had been filleting fish and dumping fish heads at the site.
Motorists had also dumped rubbish at the park due to its close proximity to the road, they said.
City Hall spokesperson Geoff Russell said the rubbish would have most likely flowed into the lake or blown in from the surrounding area.
“Following recent rains there has been an increase in litter in local waterways, which are fed by stormwater drains,” Dr Russell said.
“The City encourages residents to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner and bins are located in Seagull Paddock for public use. The City will arrange to have this rubbish removed.”
