Waterway health focus for new group

THE future health of the district’s creeks is looking good after several of concerned citizens set up a Waterwatch group at Heathcote recently.

Waterwatch is a citizen science program that aims to collect information on the water quality of creeks and build awareness of their condition.

“This could possibly help to improve the creeks,” said Leon Metzeling, a retired freshwater scientist who started the group with his partner and aquatic scientist Julia Reed.

“The main activity, at the moment, is to take water quality measurements once a month from a couple of sites on McIvor and Wild Duck creeks and more, if we get enough people.

“We have set up a roster and will use kits supplied by the North Central Catchment Management Authority.”

The project is part of a wider program and there are 70 Waterwatch groups in the region.

The information they collect is shared across and seeks to build knowledge to assist in improving waterways.

“We want to improve our creeks and make them a healthy place for the community to enjoy. We don’t want just a drain running through the town,” said Mr Metzeling.

Citizen science coordinator with the NCCMA Tania MacLeod attended a recent meeting and demonstrated how to use the water quality kits.

“It was a fantastic turnout,” she said. “It’s great to see so many people interested the health of waterways in their patch.

“We will be providing ongoing support with equipment and training.

“The CMA program was set up 30 years ago and is a well-respected initiative assisting with ongoing water health and community involvement.”

Anyone who would like further information or to join the group can contact Mr Metzeling on 0429 168 084.