By Ruza Zivkusic
Keilor residents have watched rubbish being flushed into the water through a recently installed stormwater pipe in Keilor Park Drive.
Rubbish can be found below the pipe, which is located underneath the Calder Freeway, and in the rock-filled water.
Keilor Residents and Ratepayers Association president Susan Jennison said the large drainpipe, which does not have a litter trap and is located high above the river, also damages soil as water flushes through the pipe as though it was coming “out of a jet engine”.
Ms Jennison said she cannot believe the lack of rubbish control in the area over the last four months.
She and fellow resident Andreas Makarewitch, who said he regularly inspects the area, want to know who is responsible for solving the problem: Brimbank City Council or Melbourne Water.
A letter to Mr Makarewitch last month from Brimbank mayor Natalie Suleyman stated that the council did not know why a litter trap was not in place.
But council officers have been in contact with Melbourne Water to approve the pipe design, Cr Suleyman said in the letter.
A council corporate officer told Star, “The stormwater outfall drain was approved by Melbourne Water.”
Council did not respond to Star’s question as to whether the council was aware of rubbish flowing into the river from the pipe.
Melbourne Water waterway planning team leader Keiran Croker said a litter trap could not be placed on the drain because it would cause blockage and become a “flooding risk”.
Mr Croker said the best way to resolve the problem was to discourage littering.
“We all have a responsibility to keep our rivers and creeks free from litter, and we can do this simply by disposing of our litter correctly,” Mr Croker said.
Ms Jennison disagreed, saying maintenance was needed.
“There are environmental guidelines, so why hasn’t this been followed through?” Ms Jennison said.
“All you need to do is go on Melbourne Water’s website and they are full of articles and comments about trying to keep Melbourne waterways clean,” Mr Makarewitch said.
“A litter trap means maintenance and collecting rubbish. Where is the action here?” he said.
Melbourne Water is expected to meet with council officers this week to inspect the site and “discuss a few matters”, Mr Croker said.
