The Greater Geelong community can help protect their waterways and create healthy land following World Environment Day.
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) issued a list of six actions people could take, inspired by this year’s World Environment Day (Thursday, June 5) theme of ending plastic pollution.
Actions included rethinking plastic, becoming a citizen scientist, joining a Landcare network or group, adopting sustainable agriculture principles, preventing the spread of invasive weeds and diseases and staying informed.
Corangamite CMA chief executive Dr Amber Clarke said it was important for the community to help look after and manage the health of the region’s waterways.
“Imagine the difference we could make if everyone in the catchment took just one of these actions,” she said.
“Healthy waterways – such as our rivers, creeks, lakes, estuaries and wetlands – are the lifeblood of vibrant and thriving communities.
“We need to take action to protect them (waterways) for future generations, particularly in a year of drought conditions and a drying climate.
“We all rely on the benefits that healthy waterways provide, including clean drinking water, habitat for native plants and animals, plus incredible places for recreation, tourism and enjoyment.
“Traditional Owners have been caring for waterways on Country for tens of thousands of years, and… World Environment Day is a timely reminder to everyone how important our waterways are.”
A key waterway managed by Corangamite CMA that the community can take part in looking after was a 20km stretch of the Barwon River through Geelong, which included many river reserves.
