WERRIBEE RIVERKEEPER® Newsletter No.37 Oct 2017 WRivA - Working for the Werribee River since 1981 www.werribeeriver.org.au @werribeerivkeep

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Having a Say in Werribee River Catchment

Melbourne Water’s Co-Design Process has held two workshops to date in the Werribee catchment. Approximately 50 participants from the catchment were at workshop No.1 Werribee, while 36 attended workshop No. 2 held in Point Cook. Those attending included local councils, water retailers, Melbourne Water, conservation and friends of groups, water industry groups, environmental advisory committees, developer and consultant groups and government agencies.

Photo below: Participants at workshop No.1, in front of a wall of words about the catchment. Courtesy Melbourne Water.

Participants in workshop No.1 raised key points about the Werribee catchment, including:

the need to protect the best (i.e. key areas of the upper catchment) particularly the beautiful forests

the diversity and significance of water birds around the Western Treatment Plant

the significance of waterways even around the existing urban areas and the need to protect/preserve as population grows

the need to increase buffer areas as urbanisation pressures increase

pest, plants and animals were a particular concern in a couple of the management unit areas also

emphasis on managing flows in the Werribee River vital

urban Growth – opportunities to work with the community

climate change – group understand this is a key threat/issue for the region

planning development process – needs to be done in a more holistic manner

Workshop No. 2 continued discussions and heard from Dr Chris Walsh Melbourne University on understanding the impacts of urbanisation and climate change, and concluded:

stormwater harvesting must be done aggressively in urban developments to reduce the impacts to waterways

natural vegetation must be restored along our waterways to enhance environmental conditions (i.e. improved habitat for water bugs, fish and platypus)

fish barriers must be overcome to allow migration of fish to upper parts of the catchment.

Bruce Boddington of NatureWest said on Facebook after Workshop No.2,

“Making progress on the Werribee Catchment strategy today at The Brook. Great set of ideas coming forward.”

Photo below: Dr Chris Walsh at Workshop No.2 presenting 20 years of biological data from the catchment. Courtesy Melbourne Water.

WRivA has submitted the following pints to the process:

encouragement for further collaborative catchment activities by the three major municipalities in the catchment

encouragement for further cooperative work between community and government, waterway managers, and municipalities

calls for better planning, protection and enhancement of the forests in the headwaters of the Little, Lerderderg and the Werribee Rivers

support for research and funding of alternative water sources so that catchment water can be allowed to flow more naturally in rivers and streams

calls for rejuvenation of the level of macro-invertebrates and native fish life in waterways

requests for work towards the reduction of the existing massive litter problem

suggestions that major messages be delivered with a more natural language

requests that major messages go out via varied formats and media to targeted audiences to build awareness and support

WRivA believes the catchment is already benefiting from the co-design process, as it has enabled networking by many old and new faces and organisations. The process is adding value to individuals who attend, as well as to organisations and the catchment. WRivA looks forward to further work on the process. Workshop No.3 is open for registration and will be held in Melton. To register go to: https://yoursay.melbournewater.com.au/werribee-catchment

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Platypus-Safe Nets

WRivA is a member of a newly formed alliance created to prevent the indiscriminate cruel drowning of platypus in Victoria, by the illegal use of enclosed yabby traps. Twelve platypus have lost their lives in this way in Victoria in the first eight months of 2017. The alliance was formed because there is a need for a coordinated strategy to address the issue of these deaths, and to ensure an efficient and collaborative end to the problem is achieved. The alliance sees preventable drowning deaths of platypus as a serious animal welfare issue. Listed as a ‘near threatened’ species, and with the net’s potential to cause local extinction events, the future of the nets is a significant conservation matter. The most common nets which cause concern are known as opera house nets. These nets have entry holes to each side, allowing yabbies or bait fish in. Unfortunately platypus, rakali and turtles can enter the net, find it difficult to get out, can’t surface for air and drown. Photo below: An opera house net pulled out of the Werribee River

at Cobbledick’s Ford, Werribee River 2015.

The nets are illegal to use in public waters, but some users don’t know that, or ignore regulations. Often users also leave the nets in the water for extended periods, or forget where the net was placed. Photo below: Five drowned platypuses retrieved from Labertouche

Creek, east of Melbourne 2017 Courtesy ABC Radio

Members of the alliance are working on research, education, helping or caring for platypus. Current partners actively working together include: VR Fish (the peak Victorian recreational fishing body), Werribee River Association, Yarra Riverkeeper Association, platypusSPOT, the Platypus Education group, biologists from Ecology Australia, DEWLP and Melbourne Water.

Managing Nitrogen Loads in PPB The ‘Managing Nitrogen Loads in Port Phillip Bay (PPB): Towards Better Water Quality’ project by Melbourne & Monash Universities National Centre for Coasts and Climate (NCCC) will provide more information on nutrient sources in the Bay, and test the viability of harvesting macro algae to manage nitrogen loads. The project, funded by the PPB Fund, is a community water sampling program to compare stable isotopes from water at the Western Treatment Plant and Werribee River to those within drift algae. WRivA is collecting the samples to determine the effect of these nutrient sources on drift algae production, the amount of nitrogen assimilated into drift algae and the cost-benefit of harvesting algae to manage nitrogen in the Bay. Luciana Manrique told us of her team’s work, "We've collected samples in Skeleton creek, Laverton creek and Kororoit creek. The wildlife is amazing. Skeleton creek particularly is a perfect spot for birds watching. Kororoit creek also has a lot of birds and there were heaps of pelicans enjoying the morning sun when we arrived. Laverton creek runs in the middle of a big park and its water is clean. We saw some people taking photos of us while we were taking samples. Really funny."

Photo below: Armando Aragon at work at Kororoit Creek.

Photo below: WRivA members taking water samples at Crawford Rd, one of three Werribee South sites.

The partnership with the universities brings enhanced research capacity to our community projects, facilitating on-ground projects not previously possible.

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COMING SOON: WRivA’s new website and email addresses.

Litter Research Outcomes WRivA has conducted litter research on the Werribee River for some years, and has shared or published much of that data, including a 'Stream of Litter' report in 2015. The research assisted the City of Wyndham to successfully apply for funding to audit their 80+ Gross Pollutant Litter Traps in Wyndham. Other outcomes include some strategically based rubbish bin location changes, a ‘Seal the Loop’ bin installation program and other cooperative ventures with the City.

Photos: (Top) Work underway on fitting a litter barrier and (Bottom) a finished road side pit.

One major practical outcome was the fitting of many litter barriers or grills to a large number of road-side rain water pits in the Manorvale area of Werribee. The area feeds its gutter water directly into the river via a 1500 mm drain, which was named in our research as one possible contributor to a large litter accumulation downstream of that site.

In addition, a large gross pollutant trap is to be be installed upstream of the Bulban Rd Drain to capture litter before it makes its way to the river. However that will only cover half of that drainage catchment so there's more work ahead! We are continuing to research litter and, at our Beach Patrol activities recently, have begun to compare litter research results from one clean up at one site to a later clean up at the same site. Thanks to Peter Gordon City of Wyndham for up to date information and to our volunteers and members who contribute to valuable research.

Microplastic Litter WRivA is researching litter microplastics in conjunction with the Port Phillip Baykeeper, and on Fri 18 Aug 2017 took part in training in the process required to gather credible data by research on Werribee South beach. The work is part of EcoCentre's 3-year project "Clean Bay Blueprint" (funded by the Port Phillip Bay Fund/DELWP), developing 6 reference research sites along Port Phillip Bay. One of them is Werribee South Beach. In these research sites, we hope to get the data of quarterly litter audits for a continuous 3 years. The method uses a half metre folding frame to outline 0.5m2 area of sand, which when rolled over makes the search area 1.0m2. The frame is then placed at the top of the beach for the first search, then at the bottom, then at the centre. Two other transects are then completed in the same way. The Port Phillip Baykeeper will use our data with that from a number of other beaches around Port Phillip Bay, to gain a true picture of microplastic pollution on our beaches. Inset: A graphic showing how the transects might look from above on a typical beach around the bay.

The good news from that very windy cool day was that our data gathered showed we had no microplastics at all within our one metre squares. However we noted that the beach had been covered in very high tides, high winds and had had new sand deposits from dredging in the recent past. We will report of further findings in time to come. Photo below: Trial project members at Werribee South beach

This should give us a very credible and authentic picture about types and amounts of litter, including microplastics, in different areas of the Bay.

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Why don’t you join WRivA? Help out with our projects & plans, and give us your ideas and energy.

State Government Park their Funding WRivA reviewed the state of Werribee River Park, Werribee on Newsletter No.35 June 2017 P. 3 and rated the Park as:

needed by a growing community

attractive with great natural features

lacking toilets and drinking water

having very poor quality access for pedestrians

having very poor access, control and parking for vehicles So we weren’t surprised to note the vehicle entry gate to Werribee River Park has been closed for some weeks, due to the very poor state of the road in to the car park.

Photo below: Farm Rd gate closed Wed 20 Sep 2017

Vehicular access to the gate is via Farm Rd from Werribee but that is hard to find now because of the developing State Government Riverwalk estate. It was there in February 2017, at the ramp over the Maltby Bypass, WRivA found the removal of a kilometre of mature healthy gum trees with a thick understory of saltbush, habitat for birds, for no immediate reason, at the hands of the Riverwalk estate. Our questions on the removal of the trees to the estate and to State Government local member Tim Pallas MP’s office, gave no answers - just words and a referral to the City of Wyndham who have no control over the matter. Photo below: The once attractive Farm Rd entranceway 22 Feb 2017

As well, access for pedestrians is also difficult on a rough and dangerous track beside and then under the Maltby Bypass. We understand that the State Government Riverwalk estate is to construct a better standard pedestrian access under the bypass, but our enquiries cannot confirm if or when it is going to happen. See Facebook comments by others on opposite column. In summary, the State Government proudly opened the park, yet it hasn’t been funded well, it’s underutilised, it’s not easy to get there, and we’re watching it deteriorate.

Building Blocks The Werribee Riverkeeper John Forrester led a walk for thirty-five participants from a range of cultural communities, along the river frontage of the Wyndham CBD, for the City of Wyndham Building Blocks course, on Sun 20 Aug 2017. Photo below: On the piazza bridge

Participants in the course take part in activities designed to build their leadership skills, and in this case challenge the participants to create projects which would

make the CBD area a more vibrant one for their communities. Wyndham’s vision is to have the CBD enjoy, benefit from and make better use of the river frontage for the gain of the city and its residents. The vision is supported by WRivA as the vision seeks to live with the river in its natural state, enjoying its many features. On Thur 21 Sep 2017 John returned to the Building Blocks presentation evening, to hear about the projects envisaged. Many great projects were outlined, each to receive some seed funding from the City of Wyndham. Of special interest was an educational activity planned to be taken into outdoor festivals or events, to allow children to better understand the value of water in their lives. Photo below: Prem Sadineedi outlining his value of water project

Other projects included

connecting people to their fellow residents, providing meals where needed, and an athletics project to make better use of the natural places.

Thanks to the City of Wyndham for their vision for their community, and the invitation to WRivA to take part.

Werribee River Park on Facebook Jeanne - Someone damaged the gate. (Referring to willful damage to gate once closed) Kelly - Would be good to have a kayak/canoe launch there. Parks closer to the river. Paul - I've ridden there but don't know how to access via a vehicle.

Lorelei - That road was half the adventure to get there! But yeah, that carpark is not great - always hated leaving my car there when accessing the river for picnics or fishing. Especially after the occasional rave when alcohol containers and soda bulbs are strewn everywhere.

Lori - Signage also needs improvement. Such a lovely park but would be surprised if anyone knows it's there.

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Before the Flood WRivA hosted the showing of ‘Before the Flood’ on Fri 14 Jul, as part of our work on sustainability. The event was promoted via the City of Wyndham’s Green Living website, social media and e-newsletters. Something must have worked as the event sold out three days before the event, which WRivA thought showed the level of concern with the matter under discussion. The documentary was watched by 85+ people as part of a wonderful evening put together by our climate change team.

Photo: The Werribee Riverkeeper addressing the audience.

The event not only informed the audience of the topic but provided WRivA with an opportunity to promote its work and attract new memberships. Thanks to the City of Wyndham for their support.

A Plastic Ocean Transition Wyndham invited their members, as well as Point Cook Open Spaces, Shoestring Gardening, Werribee River Association, & Western Region Environment Centre to a free film screening of ‘A Plastic Ocean’ on Sat 2 Sep 2017. . Organised by Transition Wyndham & a Minimum Waste Mum, the film was watched by forty people at the EcoLiving Centre Wyndhamvale. Good networking took place, some excellent outlines of activity were given by the various groups, and some delicious home-cooked & other food was served. The feature length adventure documentary brought to light the consequences of plastic pollution and its impact on the natural environment. The film proposed solutions that can, if implemented, change things for the better.

Photo: The thirty-five strong audience viewing ‘A Plastic Ocean’

Commenting on Facebook later, Alicia Polman said,

“Very informative - some sad consequences of our love for disposable plastic. The tide needs to turn. Not just for the sake of marine life, our environment, oceans, but also ourselves and our own health too! I hope we see it happen soon.”

NB: ‘A Plastic Ocean’ is due to return to Wyndham in November 2017.

WRivA was proud to host the 'Introduction to Climate Change' presentation by

Anthony Verhoef of The Climate Reality Project Australia, in the Plaza Library Werribee Thur 7 September, as part of Wyndham City Living's 2017 Learning Festival. Photo: Anthony Verhoef discussing growth in renewable energy jobs

It was coincidental but very relevant that the evening was conducted in front of an historical display of Werribee's early days, showing many aspects of how the river was a vital part of the town's development. The evening also featured short presentations by Transition Wyndham and Western Region Environment Centre.

Kids Teaching Kids WRivA applied some of its Holcim Werribee funding to the sixth annual Carranballac College Point Cook Kids Teaching Kids environmental leadership conference at Boardwalk P-9 School on Wed 6 Sep 2017.

Presentations were made on Melbourne Water’s ‘River Detectives’ by Jamieson Way School environmental leaders using water from their local Cheetham Creek, and ‘Water Smart Cities’ by Boardwalk School. Truganina South School enviro leaders presented on ‘Recycling & Pollution’, while Point Cook College involved their audiences in awareness of microbeads activity. Local Landcare facilitator Susie

Ingles from NatureWest presented on endangered species, and involved Carranballac College ‘Love Your Locals’ students to demonstrate their work on the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. Arron Wood, KTK Director & Melbourne Deputy Lord Mayor opened the conference, and 150 students enjoyed their day of fun and educational activity. Thanks to Holcim, Melbourne Water and Carranballac College for their great support.

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Planting Projects 2018 Our WRivA planting team met Louise Nicholas (Melbourne Water Waterways & Land Officer) Wed 27 Sep 2017, to discuss community planting projects for winter 2018. We met on the river islands site at Presidents Park Werribee with the City of Wyndham’s conservation team, and discussed stage 2 of the plantings at Presidents Park over two days - one corporate planting day with Holcim Werribee and their contractors, and one community day. Photo below: A section of Presidents Park protected planting areas

Then courtesy of Parks Victoria we entered Werribee River Park to inspect the pedestrian bridge area where Nature West completed a Greening the West project in 2017. It is hoped that we will complement that project by working with NatureWest upstream of that site in 2018. Photo below: Done! NatureWest’s project Werribee River Park 2017

A possible planting project for our FO Cobbledick’s Ford program was discussed, but details are yet to be confirmed.

Photo below: L-R Rob Bradley WRivA and Louise Nicholas of Melbourne Water on the pedestrian bridge at Werribee River Park.

Thanks to Melbourne Water, City of Wyndham, Parks Victoria and NatureWest.

Coming Events

Holcim Clean Up Prouse Place Werribee Taking place Fri 13 Oct 2017 9am -12pm this corporate clean-up day requires some on water presence. If you have a canoe and the time, we’d love you to help us. Contact us on 0401854560 or at werribeeriver@gmail.com

Werribee River Bus Tour

To be conducted on Sat 14 Oct 2017, this pilot tour is for the WRivA committee and selected members. It will provide an overview of the major waterways and features of the catchment. If successful a further tour may be organised for general membership.

Seniors Week Walk Pt Cook Homestead Park

To be conducted from 10am – 1.30pm on Thur 19 Oct 2017, and will be led by the Werribee Riverkeeper. For seniors – bookings essential. https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/whats-on/seniors-festival-walk

Pirates at WRivA AGM! Our Annual General Meeting is to be held at Wyndham Central College on Thur 19 Oct 2017, at 7pm. The AGM will report on our busy times, our bullion and our plans, but be warned, you may be asked to walk the plank, for Captain Trash is coming!!!

WRivA Bird Surveys 2018 Mon 23 – Sun 29 Oct 2018 Our members have conducted these surveys since 2012, at home, on the river, wetlands or at a spot they like. Ask us for a survey via werribeeriver@gmail.com Simple to fill in with an ID sheet of 30+ birds provided, they are good for beginners and good for our data. When finished results are returned for collation purposes.

Inset: Bird survey ID sheet & forms. Our data has been used in our own reports and in City of Wyndham’s State of the Environment reports. You can help build that data.

https://councilpapers.wyndham.vic.gov.au/Open/2017/ORD_07022017_AGN_2502_AT_Attachment_11513_1.htm

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One from the Past

Great Sightings Photo below: Blue-tongue lizard, Presidents Park Werribee

Photo below: Dragon-fly larvae EcoLinc Bacchus Marsh Bob Winters

Photo below: Juvenile Crimson Rosella EcoLinc Bacchus Marsh Courtesy Bob Winters

Photo below: Eastern Osprey with two Yellow-eye Mullet Werribee River Park Courtesy Russell Wiltshire Wildlife

Photo below: Darter and fish Skelton Ck Point Cook Bob Winters

Found by WRivA member Terry Scott In Werribee Historical Society files.

Source: Bacchus Marsh Express January 17, 1874

A Fragment- (A Werribee River poem)

Along the banks of Werribee

One evening while I wandered The sun was sinking o’er the lea,

On days long past I pondered. When the wattle and blackwood trees

Perfumed the air surrounding, Gave out their fragrance to the breeze

‘Mid grateful shade abounding. ‘Twas pleasant then to walk, I ween,

Beside the winding river, And bathe in its pellucid stream

Still flowing on for ever. And hearken to the wild bird’s song

Proclaiming Nature’s gladness, Which oft was given loud and long-

The songsters knew no sadness. The native race then lords of all Of mountain, plain, and river,

Of trees and game, both great and small, They owned the bounteous Giver.

Often have they camped along The banks of Werribee water

And gamboled in its gravelly bed With sportive childish laughter.

That race is gone, the white man came, And yet the flowing river

Goes bounding o’er its ancient course Still flowing on for ever.

OLD HAND

Bacchus Marsh, January 7th, 1874

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The Werribee River Association (WRivA)

The Werribee River

Association (WRivA) began its life in Werribee Township in 1981, with a view to protect and enhance the

natural environment of the whole of the Werribee River. WRivA always understood that the catchment of the river was important, and

now acts strategically and practically in an effort to gain support for the health of the people and the rivers, creeks, wetlands, estuaries and coastline of the Werribee catchment. Map courtesy of Melbourne Water Healthy Waterways Strategy Rewrite Sep 2017