By Renee Wood
Warburton resident Susan Davidson is concerned about a growing amount of rubbish being left around the Yarra River and barbeque areas.
Ms Davidson said there are rubbish bins at the tourist hot spots however, they are not being used.
“The sad thing is that, some of the barbecue areas do have two bins in different places, but you’re still finding rubbish and what not,” Ms Davidson said.
Litter is also being left behind along the river walk, Ms Davidson said she’s found a range of things from cooked chicken carcasses to dirty nappies.
“People who are walking along as they’re having a coffee or something they may leave the coffee cup in a tree and then you’ll see someone’s mask hanging off a tree.”
Ms Davidson is picking up bags of rubbish weekly, as are other residents but believes Yarra Ranges Council should be investigating the issue further.
“There’s toys and people’s shoes and clothing, and all those sorts of items are being left behind. I’ve been living here for seven years, and it’s been a problem each year, at this time of the year.”
“You see locals with sticks, trying to pull out bottles and plastic wrappers from the river because it gets caught down in the rapids, and then it just wanders down the river.”
More ‘rubbish rangers’ or litter signage could help the situation.
“That would be a great idea if they had someone patrolling around the place. I’ve had one resident say she’s told a family to take their rubbish with them because they left it on a barbecue area table and they just went back and got it because she confronted them.”
And with the rubbish issues how they are now, Ms Davidson believes the proposed Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project could only makes it worse.
“It’s a nightmare for the residents to sort of hear about it because it’s going to create more rubbish.
“A lot of the locals don’t want it to happen, because it’s too much for the town and I don’t think a lot of things are being considered.
“It’s making tracks and building bits and pieces up in the mountain areas of Mount Donna Buang and all that sort of stuff, and clearly the residents just aren’t on board.”
Ms Davidson has written a submission during the public consultation period of the Environmental Effects Statement – a document that assesses the project and the impacts it may have.
Director of Environment and Infrastructure Mark Varmalis said several engagement and review stages have been conducted over the past eight years.
“This EES is the most comprehensive investigation into mountain biking and its effects that has ever been conducted, and infrastructure and waste disposal has been part of the document’s scope,” Mr Varmalis said.
Mr Varmalis said Council is confident the document and engagement has adequately assessed any impact the project will have on environment and infrastructure.
“We’ll be working in coming years to help prepare the region for the arrival of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, the Yarra Valley Trail’s next stages and RidgeWalk in the Dandenongs, which will all bring more visitors to the region, create more local jobs and put more money in the local economy.”
In regards to the current rubbish issues, Mr Varmalis said reports of littering can be made to the EPA, and significant fines apply for those caught littering.
“Littering has a significant impact on the environment and can risk the lives of local wildlife. There are plenty of bins located throughout Warburton’s main street, but it’s the responsibility of everyone to hold on to their rubbish until they can find a bin.
“Council encourages everyone in the community – whether you’re visiting a park, walking a trail or at a playground – to be considerate of others and dispose of rubbish correctly.”
Waste is collected twice per daily from bins in Warburton to reflect the significant visitation to the area.
