Locals help rid the lake of rubbish

A TRAFFIC control light, power drill and a shotgun shell were among rubbish collected by St. Leonards’ David Sich and his family during a clean-up at their local lake last weekend.

With the lake at its lowest in a long time, David, his wife Athina, and children Brandon, 6, and Tiana, 7, took action after seeing how much rubbish was in there.

Mr Sich said they collected bottles, cans, corn cans, plastics, furniture, a street sign post, car mats, buckets, and even a charged 12 gauge shotgun shell.

“We all know that councils should be doing this but we all know how long you wait for a response.

“Also, we have a responsibility in the community to uphold cleanliness.”

The family have decided to go back for round two this Sunday, March 24 at 9.30am and are inviting interested people in the community to come help out.

“I’m not expecting anyone but it would be appreciated if we could get help,” Mr Sich said.

“Why wait for Clean Up Australia Day? It’s up to us to teach the next generation.”

He is asking everyone to meet on the corner of Murradoc Road and McLeod Street – he will supply bags and has asked people to bring gloves and for the hard core volunteers to bring some gumboots.

He also suggested that the City of Greater Geelong could place more bins around the lake to promote sensible litter disposal.

David asked locals to pull people up if they saw them illegally dumping rubbish, or report them to the EPA on 1300 372 842.

Meanwhile, Denis O’Bryan from the St Leonards Beautification Committee has contacted the council with his concerns, which include water quality and its management.

“There is a bit of local consternation about the condition and maintenance of the St Leonards Lake and surrounds, particularly now that the water level is so low,” he said.