Alpine Riverkeeper
THE STORY SO FAR
The Snowy Hydro Scheme is recognised as the most significant water harvesting system in Australia, drawing water from twelve river catchments, including the Snowy River and the Murray River. While it is primarily acknowledged as a power generating facility, it is also acknowledged by locals as vital to the livelihoods of the towns along its path.
This was the reason for the appointment of the Alpine Riverkeeper, which was set up by various groups of local residents and businesses who have a stake in the use of the Alpine regions waterways.
Currently the Alpine’s waterways are experiencing massive problems with algal blooms – a first for the area – which is believed to be the result of nutrient problems within the water source. While it is unknown as to why these blooms have occurred and testing is still being undertaken, a popular belief is that the blooms have been caused by industrial pollutants being blown into the water system or from human waste pressure within the alpine region. Alpine Riverkeeper Acacia Rose, who ran as an independent in the recent Federal Election for the seat of Eden-Monaro, is currently investigating ways in which human waste pressures on the surrounding environment can be reduced. This has included working closely with Parks and Wildlife to come up with a feasible solution.
One of the group’s major aims for 2008 is to see the introduction of portable toilet bags. At present, Acacia is looking into a product known as a PETT WAG Bag, made by a company called Ferno. She says that if these bags are what they are looking for, the aim would be to get them incorporated into Parks and Wildlife’s policy, so that all who use the areas national parks for recreational purposes will be made carry such a product.
The Alpine Riverkeeper group are also keeping a close eye on water levels at Lake Jindabyne and Lake Eucumbene. At Lake Eucumbene the water levels are so low that the boat ramp no longer reaches the water. This is causing major headaches for commercial fishing operators.
PLAN FOR 2008
The Alpine Riverkeeper group are about to start the next phase of a massive recruitment drive, to get people involved in water conservation and health. This will include:
- Working closely with the regions tourism companies to try and minimize the impact of sewage outflows into the alpine streams.
- Getting local schools to adopt an Alpine lake, in order to raise awareness of river health.
- Developing and strengthening liaisons with other Waterkeeper groups, so as to create a further sense of community.
GETTING INVOLVED
To become involved in the Alpine Riverkeeper program, you can email Acacia Rose. Membership costs $15 per annum for an individual and $50 per annum for a group of organisation. Alpine Riverkeeper Membership Form
Contact:
Alpine Riverkeeper
(Alpine Riverkeepers Inc)
Acacia Rose - Acting President
acaciarose@optusnet.com.au
PO Box 136
Thredbo NSW 2625
Algal Pollution of the Alpine Glacial Lakes - January 2008
