By Alesha Capone
Up to $3 million has been pledged for works along the Werribee River, if Labor wins the upcoming federal election.
Upgraded litter traps and stormwater treatment drains along the river will be funded as part of the works, announced by Lalor MP Joanne Ryan and the opposition’s environment and water spokesman Tony Burke, last week.
Mr Burke said Labor had pledged $200 million to bring Australia’s urban waterways and habitat corridors “back to health”.
“Labor’s investment will unlock grant funding for projects to clean up our rivers including revegetation, tree planting, waste capture and naturalisation projects,” he said.
Ms Ryan said if the Werribee River project went ahead, an elected Labor government would engage with Wyndham council and community groups, including the Werribee River Association, “to ensure that our Werribee River is protected for generations to come”.
“Like all urban rivers and waterways, litter is a constant challenge for the Werribee River and despite tireless efforts of local volunteers to clean up the river, more needs to be done,” Ms Ryan said.
“Everyone who knows me knows how important the Werribee River is to me.
“I grew up on the Werribee River and it is still my favourite place to go and enjoy.”
Ms Ryan said a large amount of the plastic waste, which causes damage to marine life and seabirds, came directly from urban rivers.
She said Labor’s commitment to the Werribee River was part of a broader strategy to restore the health of oceans and to tackle the issue of waste and plastics damaging the sea.
