Pavement art showing native Wyndham waterway species will appear around Wyndham in the coming weeks as part of the Waterways of the West trail. Melbourne artist Ulla Taylor is creating the anamorphic chalk works, which feature the Murray Cod, Rakali, Growling Grass Frog and local waterbirds. The trail aims to raise awareness of protecting aquatic habitats. The artworks are at and around Lollypop Creek, Dianella, Point Cook and Werribee community and town centres. Because they are chalk, they will fade over time, so visitors are encouraged to go early.
Moonee Valley City Council is working to make swimming in local rivers and waterways a reality by 2050. The goal includes safe swimming in the Maribyrnong River and after-work dips in the Yarra River, also known as Birrarung.
Northern suburbs animal rescue groups say injuries to native wildlife from discarded fishing lines and hooks are increasing. Wildlife Allies recently rescued a Pacific black duck tangled in fishing line at Lake Goollelal in Madeley, which was later released after treatment. A native duck hooked in Butler's Brampton Park did not survive. Wildlife Allies director Maddison Danforth says the rescues strain volunteers. The City of Wanneroo plans to present proposed changes to its local law to council in November, which could restrict fishing in some waterways.
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Volunteers with NICA's River Rangers have removed an estimated four tonnes of rubbish from Noosa's waterways over the past eight months. The team has run 16 clean-ups across the Noosa River estuary and nearby waters, with four volunteers working four hours each time. Hazards found include a refrigerator submerged just below the surface, large furniture, tangled nets and abandoned inflatables. Rubbish volumes stay fairly steady week to week, but waste such as bait bags, fishing gear and food containers rises sharply after holiday periods.
Purpose-built tangle bins have been installed at the Empire Bay jetty. The bins aim to keep waterways clean by safely collecting discarded fishing materials. Central Coast Councillor Jared Wright worked on the project.
Colac residents have raised concerns about the number of carp at Lake Colac and Barongarook Creek. The noxious pest is becoming increasingly visible in the waterways. Pam Cuthbertson, who has lived in Colac for more than 70 years, says she has never seen so many carp in the area. An authority has also revealed plans to reduce the carp population.
Colac residents have again raised concerns about a growing carp population in Lake Colac and Barongarook Creek. An authority has revealed plans to reduce the number of carp in the waterways.
A new quiz challenges residents to test their knowledge of Illawarra waterways, featuring 10 questions about local flora and community initiatives. The quiz, created by Region Media, encourages participants to share their scores and engage with local content. It highlights the region's natural features and cultural significance, acknowledging Traditional Owners. The interactive format aims to foster community discussion and learning. Participants can subscribe for more local news and updates.
Reports of illegal fishing at lakes and park waterways in the City of Joondalup have increased. The city received four reports of unlawful fishing in the past month, most at Neil Hawkins Park in Joondalup. Rangers attended and investigated where appropriate. Updated signs at Sir James McCusker Park in Iluka warn of a modified penalty of $350 for taking, injuring or killing fauna. Mayor Daniel Kingston said the city took complaints seriously and urged residents to report any fishing they witness. Rangers will continue patrols over the summer holidays.
The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre will hold a public talk on Saturday, October 24. The talk will look at what oysters reveal about local waterways.
Village Voice has asked Brisbane City Council and the Queensland government how residents can be better protected from sewage in Brisbane waterways. An investigation by Adam Bowden reported 10.5 billion litres of untreated sewage was discharged in 2024-25. A council spokesperson gave no reasons for gaps in testing at Sandgate and Shorncliffe. Council said it was meeting its public-health obligations. Councillor Tracy Davis said the testing program tracks long-term trends rather than providing real-time warnings. A motion for more frequent testing was heavily defeated. The state environment minister's office did not say whether a review was supported.
Coles has installed a wheel-locking system on its trolleys at its Casino store in mid-September. The system stops trolleys at a boundary set by the supermarket. Casino residents had long asked for the measure. Two years ago, Ben West said he and a friend had collected more than 60 shopping trolleys from the Richmond River since 2014, many of them from Coles. A Coles spokesperson said the company regularly reviews its trolley management and considers local feedback. Coles did not explain why it decided to fit the system at this time.
The City of Moreton Bay has renewed its partnership with Bamboo Projects, an environmental charity that removes marine debris from local waterways. The charity has already cleared 14 tonnes of waste from the Caboolture and Pine River systems. The expanded program will now include Ningi Creek, Elimbah Creek, Burpengary Creek and the Beachmere foreshore, providing employment for people with disabilities.
A platypus monitoring project has detected the species at a record 91 sites across the City of Moreton Bay. The sampling this year found platypus at eight sites where they had not been detected before, including the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre in Burpengary. The tests use environmental DNA, which picks up animal traces in water without disturbing the animals or their habitat. Mayor Peter Flannery said the results point to a widespread population across the city. Council will use the results to guide catchment work, including riparian restoration along waterways.
