Councillor Simon Crawford
Council recently endorsed the draft Integrated Water Management Plan to be shared with the community for feedback in the New Year.
In an era where responsible management of water is becoming increasingly important, this plan, once endorsed, will help set a crucial course towards improving our water resilience and the health of our waterways and environment.
Water, a lifeline for our communities, demands conscientious stewardship.
This includes capturing water effectively, preventing hasty stormwater drainage that can lead to downstream flooding.
The draft plan considers opportunities to harness this water to enrich our environment and curtail pollution before it taints our natural waterways.
While regrettably, Stony Creek and Maribyrnong River currently face challenges as less- than-healthy waterways, council has been at the forefront of the battle to restore their vitality.
Following engagement with our community, the endorsement of this plan will mark another milestone in our ongoing commitment to clean up and safeguard these essential water bodies.
Yet, the responsibility does not rest solely on council’s shoulders.
Every resident plays a pivotal role in supporting our rivers and their catchments.
Simple actions, like ensuring soap suds from car washes don’t run down drains and picking up any litter you see, contribute significantly.
Vigilance against pollutants, especially industrial ones, is paramount.
If you witness any such activities, report them to the Environmental Protection Agency at 1300 372 842 or online at epa.vic.gov.au.
Let’s also take pride in supporting initiatives aimed at waterway improvement, such as the construction of wetlands and raingardens. Permeability of our artificial surfaces is equally important.
When our rooftops, roads, concrete and plastic surfaces all drain rainwater straight into our waterways, it creates short term flooding and then leaves no water for ongoing moisture retention.
Wherever possible we need to create permeable surfaces, natural surfaces such as gardens or grass, where the water will be absorbed into the ground and slowly released over the following days and weeks.
This will provide ongoing sustenance to our Creek and River and all of nature that relies on these water sources.
When engagement opens next year, please take the opportunity to read the draft plan and provide your insights to help us deliver a document we can feel confident reflects all of our desires to preserve and enhance our precious water resources.
