7. Involve the community
Overview
Litter and other pollutants are often carried into our river in stormwater runoff. Good management of building sites, picking up pet waste and not littering are just three ways communities can help stop contamination and create a swimmable river. Helping people understand this link is key to the success of this campaign.
Recommendation
Undertake joint community education and compliance activities focused on reducing stormwater and source pollution where it is linked to community behaviour and actions.
Timeframe
Ongoing.
Lead Agency
Parramatta River Catchment Group.
Current measure
Get the Site Right
- Number of full-month campaigns and blitz days conducted each year.
- Number of participating councils.
- Rate of compliance on construction sites.
- Read more about Get the Site Right campaign.
Love Your Waterways
- Number of councils that support and promote the campaign.
- Engagement of the campaign through social media platforms.
- Read more about the Love Your Waterways campaign.
Riverkeeper Network
- Number of Riverkeepers.
- Number of Riverkeeper Ambassadors.
- Number of collaborative projects.
- Read more about the Riverkeeper Network.
Riverfest
- Number and type of organisations that take part in Riverfest.
- Number of people that attend events.
- Level of media engagement.
- Number of supporters and volunteers generated.
- Read more about Riverfest.
Community Events
- Number of and type of events in which the PRCG participates.
- Level of engagement with the public at community events.
- Number of supporters and volunteers generated.
- Find out more about events on the Parramatta River.
Status Update
Get the Site Right
Established by the PRCG is 2016, ‘Get the Site Right’ is a joint taskforce of local councils, catchment groups, NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Planning and Environment DPE), which targets erosion and sediment control on commercial and residential building sites across NSW.
Love Your Waterways
‘Love Your Waterways’ is a community campaign that encourages people to take up five simple actions to reduce litter, pet waste, gardening materials, chemicals and other pollutants from entering our waterways.
Riverkeeper Program
The program aims to connect organisations, volunteer groups and individuals to develop opportunities for the community to learn more about and care for waterway health and the conservation of the local environment in the Parramatta River catchment.
Community Events
The PRCG works with Member Councils, Riverkeeper Ambassadors, Changemakers and community groups on ways to engage the community to support events and activities that contribute to improving waterway and environmental health.
Progress Timeline
Useful Links