Hawkesbury Council asks for suggestions on reducing litter in the river

With the Hawkesbury River - or Dyarubbin, as it is known by the Darug Nation - a central part of the community's identity, council wants to protect it and keep it clean.

As an open water swimmer and Hawkesbury's Young Australian of the Year 2021, local resident Sam Bonus is passionate about protecting the area's waterways.

He has competed in ocean swims, like the Rottnest Channel Swim in Perth, and is acutely aware of the impact litter has on the aquatic and marine environment.

"Plastic is one of the worst kinds of litter because it enters our ocean today may remain there for up to 450 years, breaking down into microplastics and can even enter the food chain," Sam said.

The call for ideas from the community on reducing litter in the Hawkesbury and how to prevent it getting into our waterways, came following a recent meeting of council's Environment Committee discussing the development of a Zero Litter to River Policy.

Hawkesbury Mayor, Councillor Patrick Conolly said everyone wants pleasant natural spaces that are litter free that can be enjoyed by the community.

"It costs Council to manage and clean up litter which could be better spent for example on new playgrounds, upgrades to sporting facilities or new cycleways," he said. "We can all do our bit to stop litter in its tracks.

"You may have participated in a Clean Up Australia Day event, completed a school project about litter or know of litter hot spots.

"Like me, you may be passionate about our natural environment, our rivers and wildlife and you want to see Council and the community do as much as possible to reduce litter."

Cr Conolly asked for anyone with ideas on council and the community can better address the problems caused by litter to please share them.

"We are also inviting local high school students to contribute their ideas and suggestions on how Council and the community can reduce littering in the Hawkesbury and prevent it from entering our waterways," he said.

"Council's Environment Committee will consider this issue at a future meeting and we encourage you to share your ideas and experiences to help inform Council's decision making.

"We're looking forward to seeing the community responses and working together with schools, youth and the broader community to reduce littering and protect our river."

Council is also exploring future partnerships with other agencies to help prevent litter going into its rivers and oceans.

To have your say visit tinyurl.com/kxrfuwy or email council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au with reference to 'Zero Litter to River'.