Trash Racks to help clean up the Peel River
Tamworth will soon see less rubbish in the Peel thanks to a project currently underway by recreational fishing conservation group OzFish and Tamworth Regional Landcare.
In a collaborative effort the project will install and manage the Gross Pollutant Traps at key drainage outlets throughout the regional town.
Gross Pollutant Traps, commonly referred to as Trash Racks assists with reducing litter, debris and sediments from entering local waterways. The huge nets will collect everything from bottles and cans to vegetation like leaves that washes through the storm water system directly into the Peel River.
OzFish Tamworth Chapter President Anne Mitchie felt it was something the local Chapter could assist with.
“There is huge community concern about the amount of litter and rubbish flowing into the Peel.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work over the years cleaning up the river, preventing erosion, planting native trees and shrubs but we can still see the rubbish floating down,” said Anne.
“Each time it rains water flows over outdoor surfaces and washes litter, detergent and other pollutants from roads, footpaths and yards into our drains and eventually enters our beloved Peel River.
“It’s hoped the majority of debris goes through the drains will get collected at the traps.
Many councils across Australia have already installed these systems which have successfully prevented tonnes of rubbish from entering their local rivers.
OzFish will complete the project this year and the installation will be done by prisoners at the Tamworth Correctional Centre. The traps will then be maintained in conjunction with the local council.
Tamworth OzFish will promote the project through stickers and posters. The aim is to show the community the benefits of installing the traps and encourage the community to pick up rubbish to reduce the load on the newly installed system.
The project has been possible after OzFish successfully received a Communities Environment Program grant by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. The grant supports a wide range of small-scale, on-ground projects that aim to conserve, protect and manage local environments.