Released 09/05/2016
Locals are encouraged to play their part in protecting Canberra waterways by raking up autumn leaves from gutters.
The Director-General of the Environment and Planning Directorate, Ms Dorte Ekelund, said that despite extra street sweeping in leafy neighbourhoods, too many leaves are entering our stormwater system.
"Residents can play their part in keeping waterways clean by composting leaves and using them as mulch. This is a cheap solution that returns nutrients to the soil and benefits the environment," Ms Ekelund said.
"Leaves can also be taken to green waste centres at Corkhill Brothers Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre or West Belconnen’s Canberra Sand and Gravel. Alternatively, for a modest cost, residents may wish to organise a ‘trash pack’ collection service.
"Leaves are a major cause of poor quality in our waterways, which can often lead to lake closures. When broken down in our stormwater systems, leaves release high levels of nutrients like phosphorous that cause algal blooms and bad odours in lakes and ponds.
"Too many nutrients can also harm the animals and plants that depend on our waterways.
"The action of raking leaves out of gutters is a small but important step in protecting our waterways and environment," Ms Ekelund said.
- Statement ends -
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