IT was an eyesore, rather than a sight for sore eyes. And it stank.
Twelve-year-old Nicholas Bakes and his classmates from Iramoo Primary School last week experienced first-hand what happens when rubbish and litter finds its way into our stormwater drains.
The students watched as council workers and contractors cleared one of the 60 gross pollutant traps around Wyndham.
The traps are designed to capture rubbish before it finds its way into our rivers and streams.
Near Skeleton Creek in Hoppers Crossing, the Iramoo students were amazed to find the type and amount of rubbish washed through the stormwater drains.
Wyndham Council sustainability officer Jenny Nicita said it was important to show children first hand the impact rubbish can have on Wyndham’s water systems.
“It’s about getting the children to understand that litter can affect our water … that their behaviour can actually have a direct impact on our water quality,” she said.
About 50 students witnessed the litter that had washed down the stormwater drain from the surrounding streets, parks and gardens. The bulk of it was drink bottles, aluminium cans, chip wrappers, lolly wrappers and papers.
As part of the demonstration, students watched a machine sucking up the litter and sediment from the GPT.
Wyndham mayor Kim McAliney, who attended the demonstration, said it was important that people saw the results of littering.
“Despite the fact that there are 60 gross pollutant traps in Wyndham, litter still makes its way into our creeks, rivers and other waterways,” she said.
“A lot of the litter that people throw out their car windows, drop on the ground or illegally dump gets washed down stormwater drains. Not only does litter create a negative perception of Wyndham for residents, businesses and visitors, it has a detrimental effect on flora and fauna.
“Gross pollutant traps catch approximately 30-50 tonnes of waste each year, half of which is litter. Responsibly disposing of litter will help to reduce this figure and make Wyndham a cleaner city.”
