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DOCUMENTING EFFECTS TO BEACH USERS
Many people suffer adverse health effects from Gunnamatta. Completed Medical Response Forms, detailing the nature and effects of the illness are being reviewed by medical professionals. Instances of infections such as viral meningitis, eye, ear, nose and throat infections, gastric upsets, have been documented after exposure to waters at Gunnamatta.
COLLATE EVIDENCE OF ENVIRONMENT AT GUNNAMATTA PRIOR TO OUTFALL DISCHARGE
To assess the damage the outfall has caused the environment at Boags Rocks, a comparison has to be made of the "before" and "after" conditions at Gunnamatta. The deleterious effects of the current situation are evident and well documented. Scientific reports have stated the lack of documented evidence showing the conditions prior to the outfall is not available and therefore a true comparison may not be made.
Clean Ocean Foundation is gathering data on the pre-outfall condition at Boags Rocks. Data collected so far shows the extent of degradation that has occurred after the outfall has been discharging.
EXAMINING WATER TREATMENT AND HANDLING PRACTICE OF MELBOURNE WATER AND SOUTH-EAST WATER
Despite assurances by Melbourne Water that the Eastern Treatment Plant operates within EPA requirements, there is evidence that this has not been the case. In addition to instances documented by the EPA and subsequent fines for breaching the licence, Clean Ocean Foundation has received a vast amount of information regarding the shortfalls in water management practice by Melbourne Water.
If you have any information regarding Melbourne Water's operations, please contact Clean Ocean Foundation.
RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP
To bring about positive change for the environment regarding the water issue, more is required than highlighting problems without being part of the solution.
EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Education is required to bring about awareness regarding the outfall issue at Boags Rocks and drawing in the issues contributing to the current water crisis in Victoria. The synergy between water being siphoned off in huge volumes for use in Melbourne is having an effect on poor river flows in regional areas lies in the outdate operating methodology of government and associated departments.
Clean Ocean Foundation is developing criteria for the Outdoor and Environmental Studies curriculum and is working with many student based environmental organizations to raise awareness and channel support for improved waterways.
MARINE DEBRIS INITIATIVE
Project Aims
To develop a greater understanding across the community as to the movement of litter
from commercial ocean industries, residential and consumer areas into the ocean
To coordinate the current efforts of many separate groups to create a nationally
consistent approach and methodology
To use schools, community volunteers, and work for the dole participants to make a
positive difference by running regular beach cleaning days and
To gather information on the types of litter present on Australian beaches and therefore
educate the community as to their involvement as an inland source of ocean pollution,
and better management practices for ocean vessels and trade
Program outcomes
National inventory of marine litter
Central point of access for schools, community, and industry based litter cleaning
groups
Development of easily accessible interactive teaching resources to promote schools to
be involved in collecting information and litter control
Coordination of current eff
MAKE A REPORT OF FINDINGS TO THE EPA
As part of the government process to review the situation at Boags Rocks, Melbourne Water are to submit a works approval plan to the EPA.
The EPA will be looking at all information placed before them from Melbourne Water and Community Groups. Clean Ocean Foundation will be submitting a report of findings to the EPA in line with this process.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Clean Ocean Foundation undertakes a variety of public speaking engagements to enhance community awareness regarding the Victorian water crisis and the outfall at Gunnamatta.
LOBBY LOCAL STATE AND FEDERAL MEMBERS
Gone are the days when politicians or government departments can honestly say "that's not my department." Lobbying involves highlighting the current problem, suggesting pathways for solutions and showing the benefits of a win-win situation if they have the vision to take up the challenge.
The water companies are operated by the State Government process however there is an overall responsibility with the Federal and Local Governments.
Moreover, Gunnamatta is not the only place this is occurring. There are 140 ocean outfalls around Australia, and waterways are denuded across Australia.
Prolonging a decision a decision will be more expensive in the long term - the further environmental cost will need to be borne.
It is possible to find a safe and economically viable way to ensure the environment is protected and an economic return is achieved. |