steering committee members 2006/07

Lisa Di Felice AIUS – Project Convenor – Chair City of Boroondara

Karina Bader City of Melbourne

Brock Baker Sustainability Victoria

Michelle Bennett City of Darebin

Dietmar Dinges Environment Protection Authority Victoria

Michael Dodd City of Port Phillip

Ellen Mitchell City of Banyule

Petra Stock City of Yarra

Leanne Stray City of Bayside

Financial support was provided by the Cities of Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Darebin, Frankston, Hume, Knox, Manningham, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Monash, Moonee Valley, Stonnington, Whittlesea and Yarra and the Shires of Financial support also provided by: Nillumbik and Yarra Ranges.

This Bulletin was researched and written by Adam Briscomb in collaboration with members of the steering committee

All Bulletins are available at http://www.aius.org.au/indicators. Please contact the AIUS Secretary on (03) 9459 0634 or via email [email protected] for additional copies of this bulletin. ISSN: 1447-2449 ISBN: 0-86419-412-9 Statements in this document are not necessarily the views of the organisations involved. Material in this publication may be reproduced subject to acknowledgement of AIUS. Front cover image: Vicmap Image - Satellite - 2000 Department of Sustainability and Environment, Spatial Information Infrastructure. ©Commonwealth of Australia - ACRES, Geoscience Australia” Printed on 100% recycled paper. Design and production by William Troedel & Company Pty Ltd www.troedel.com.au Tel: 61 3 9562 8888

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 1 contents

Foreword 3 3. Open Space 45

Pressure At a Glance – A summary of Pest Plants what’s been happening 4 Pest Animals Condition Pressure - Condition - Park Use Visitor Satisfaction with Parks Response 5 Urban Parks Urban Fringe Parks Acknowledgements 5 Pest Animals - Foxes, Rabbits, Cats Pest Plants Response 1. Air 6 Pest Plants Pest Animals Pressure Volunteers The Atmosphere The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Introduction to Climate Change Community Gardens Pressure on Stratospheric Ozone Banyule’s New Strategy on Weeds Pressure on Air Quality Local Air Emissions 4. Waste 57 Condition Greenhouse Gas Emissions Pressure Response Condition Coal And Gas-Powered Electricity Generators Waste In Victoria Renewable Energy Municipal Waste Collection Emissions Trading (Carbon Trading) Litter Greenhouse Gas Reporting Response Appliance Energy Effi ciency ECO-Buy Energy Effi ciency and Demand Management: Product Stewardship Energy Consumption Trends Cities for Climate Protection 5. What you can do... 68

2. Water 25 Electricity Water Pressure Shopping Pressure on Water Availability Transport Pressure on Receiving Waters Get Informed Pressure on Port Phillip Bay Condition Water Consumption References 70 Condition of Rivers and Creeks Platypus, Frogs and Macro-invertebrates Appendix 72 Condition of the Catchments Condition of Port Phillip Bay – its Water, Beaches and Bays Marine Pests Response

2 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 foreword

On behalf of the AIUS and the Bulletin Committee I’m I would like to thank Adam Briscomb, our consultant, pleased to present the ninth annual edition of EIMM. for his diligence in researching and interpreting the information and for his presentation of this in the Bulletin. This year we revisited the themes air emissions, water, beach and bay, greenhouse emissions, open space I would also like to recognise the members of the Steering and waste that were presented two years ago in Bulletin Committee for their contribution of time and commitment 7. For the fi rst time the Committee reviewed the to the project. With quite a few new representatives interrelationship between each chapter. The outcome this year we have had a good mix of insights and ideas was the merging of the chapters: air emissions and along with considerable experience in local government, greenhouse emissions; and water and beach and bay. environmental issues and data expertise.

Where possible we have updated data from Bulletin 7 to Many individuals and organisations have assisted us show trends over time. We are also excited to present with the provision of data. Without this very valuable data that has not been published to date. assistance it would not be possible to create a bulletin that is current, relevant and meaningful. Thank you also Data is often presented by local government areas. This to those who contributed case studies. is not for purposes of direct comparison because each local government area and its community is unique, with I would like to acknowledge the City of Melbourne which its own priority issues and means of tackling them. We continues to provide the major fi nancial sponsorship do hope however, that this information will be useful for of the project, and the many other organisations that councils and communities for monitoring environmental provided fi nancial support, as listed in the Bulletin. trends and assessing the impacts of the many positive projects that are contributing to environmental protection I would like to thank the Boroondara City Council for and enhancement. supporting my time on the project as well as the many other councils and organisations that contributed staff The Envirometer gives a subjective assessment of the representation. condition of each of the themes and clearly indicates that despite all the good work, much more care and effort In 2007 the AIUS will review the key direction of the is needed to ensure that, our lifestyle is sustainable and project. This will be an exciting and consultative process our environmental systems are healthy. We hope that and I encourage you all to contribute your ideas. This will the information and knowledge gained from the Bulletin ensure that future bulletins are presented in a format that will help and inspire more people to take action for the best meets the needs of its audience. environment.

Lisa Di Felice

Project Convener Australian Institute of Urban Studies

The Australian Institute of Urban Studies will be reviewing the Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne project during 2007. We are seeking as much input to this review as possible and encourage all readers to provide feedback and to get involved. Please indicate your interest in the review by contacting the Secretary, Geoff Baker, on 9459 0634 or email [email protected] or by mail to GPO Box 2620, Melbourne, 3001 by 15th October.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 3 At a Glance – a summary of what’s been happening

The ‘Envirometer’ gives a snapshot of the key messages from the data presented. However it is not a quantitative measurement. Readers should not interpret the Envirometer in isolation from the detailed data and commentary provided. The Envirometer ‘score’ has been based on the current condition of each issue presented. Air Emissions

• Motor vehicles are the top source of pollution in the Port Phillip Airshed Region, followed by industry and domestic wood heaters. • Petrol passenger vehicles accounted for the majority of emissions in Victoria (80% CO, 60% NOx, The Envirometer 40% VOCs, 30% particulate matter). Air quality is improving, but • The introduction of motor vehicle design rules and fuel standards has resulted in a progressive motor vehicles and wood heaters need to be used more reduction of emissions from motor vehicles. wisely. Greenhouse

• The average Victorian emits around 25 tonnes of greenhouse gas per annum. This fi gure can be largely attributed to our heavy reliance on burning coal for electricity generation, our use of motor vehicles, and industry such as aluminium smelting. • In 2003 Victoria emitted 117Mt of greenhouse gas. Electricity generation accounts for more than 50% of Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions and demand is expected to increase 15% in the The Envirometer coming decade. Australia is the highest per • Transport emissions grew 16% between 1990 and 2004. Use of all transport modes including person greenhouse gas emitter in the world. We need to motor vehicles is also expected to rise a further 16% by 2020 from 2005 levels. generate much more of our electricity from clean energy technologies and use energy Water more wisely. • Long-term drought conditions in Melbourne and surrounding areas have reduced water availability to rivers, creeks and for human use, with water storages falling to 38.7% of total capacity at the end of 2006. • Permanent water saving rules were introduced on 1 March 2005. Stage Three water restrictions currently apply throughout Melbourne. • Permanent water saving rules, water restrictions and water conservation education campaigns and the efforts of Melburnians have resulted in decreased water consumption in all local government The Envirometer areas (compared to 2001/02). Long term drought conditions have decreased water • The most recent river health reports from Melbourne Water show that 25% of Melbourne’s rivers availability and contributed and streams are in good condition, 30% are in moderate condition and 45% are in poor to very to the degradation of rivers poor condition. and creeks. More water conservation and water quality • Nutrients, marine pests and litter continue to put pressure on the health of Port Phillip Bay. initiatives are needed. Programs have been put in place to respond to these threats, and have led to signifi cant improvements to discharges into the Bay. For example, Melbourne Water reports that by the end of 2005 the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee had removed 887 tonnes of nitrogen that would have otherwise entered the Bay. Open Space

• In 2004/05 an estimated 119 million visits were made to parks and gardens in metropolitan Melbourne. Almost 93% of these visits were made by Melburnians, representing 32 visits per The Envirometer person. Melburnians are generally satisfi ed with our major parks. • Visitors to Melbourne’s major urban parks indicated a satisfaction rating of about 60%. • Pest plants and animals continue to threaten the condition of open space, causing major economic and ecological damage. Waste

• On average, each Victorian generates nearly 2 tonnes of waste every year. In Victoria there has been a steady rise in the volume of material in the waste stream. 9.9 million tonnes of waste was The Envirometer generated in Victoria in 2004/05. Garden and food waste make up 50% of household waste, of Although recycling is increasing which only 20% is recovered. and waste generation has stabilised, greater efforts are • Waste minimisation can be achieved through waste reduction and recycling, as well as by needed to reduce waste. encouraging home composting and sustainable gardening practices. • By recycling, Victorian households continue to reduce the amount of garbage that would normally be destined for landfi ll. Household recycling, has increased from 192kg in 2000/01 to 222kg in 2003/04.

4 Environmental IndicatorsIndicators for MetropolitaMetropolitann MelbouMelbournerne – BuBulletinlletin 9 Pressure, Condition, Response acknowledgements We all know what it is like to feel under pressure. When pressure is sustained then Sustainability Victoria it is almost inevitable that our wellbeing will Brock Baker suffer. For our condition to stabilize and Vikki McCleod improve we must respond by alleviating Thinh Tran the pressures and remedying the stress- Nick Chrissant related symptoms. Pressure, Condition, Response (PCR) is a simple model which Melbourne Water is commonly used to report on the greater Jane Bateson environment of which we are just a part. Phillip Edwards Kirsten Lingard We use the PCR model to illustrate the Monica Tewman dynamics of each of our environmental themes. We report on the pressures on Parks Victoria an environmental theme, the condition or Tony Varcoe state of the theme and the responses that Alex Macleod government and the community are taking to improve the quality of the environment. Australian Platypus Conservancy We suggest things that you can do to Geoff Williams improve the environment. City of Melbourne The apparent simplicity of the PCR model Leon Harvey can be a shortcoming when applied to our incredibly complex environment. Victorian Environment Protection Authority Cause and effect are not always as Sean Walsh clear-cut as the model may suggest. Responses are not only human actions, Mornington Peninsula Biosphere which is all the Bulletin reports on. The Jim Kerin perspective that an indicator takes on a particular environmental theme is an Department of Primary Industries added complication – an indicator that is Penny Gillespie a pressure on one perspective may be a Kate Blood state in another and a response in a third. Water Keepers Australia The application of the model gets more Greg Hunt complicated when you consider that the city is an inextricable combination of the Environment Victoria ‘natural’ environment and the ‘human’ Jenny Henty environment. Thus both pressures and conditions of the natural and human www.bluewedges.org environment need to be considered. Zoe Hogg

In the Bulletin we use the PCR model to www.greenmakeover.com help focus the perspective of the reader Stuart McQuire on the complexities and often delicate balances of Melbourne’s environment. Feldenkrais Melbourne Tahnee Woolfe

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 5 air air 1 Pressure

The Atmosphere The atmosphere functions as a protective layer insulating us from the cold of space. Of the four distinct layers that make up the 150-kilometre atmosphere, humans live in the fi rst 14 kilometres known as the troposphere, so called because of the temperature-driven vertical mixing that is characteristic of our habitat. The atmosphere consists of nitrogen (79%), oxygen (20%) argon 0.9%, carbon dioxide (0.03%). Other trace gases including water vapour and ozone are present depending on temperature.

Introduction to Climate Change The most important environmental pressure facing metropolitan Melbourne (and humanity) is the presence of heat-trapping gases released by the combustion of fossil fuels. In Victoria (and the rest of the world), the primary activities that contribute to climate change are: • industry, manufacturing, construction and electricity generation, collectively known as ‘stationary energy’; and • motor vehicles – primarily cars but also all modes of motorised transport including rail and commercial vehicles.1

For this reason, scientists representing academies from 11 nations have signed a petition acknowledging humanity’s infl uence Source: Victorian government’s energy saving ‘black balloons’ campaign 2006 over the world’s climate and urged all nations to take prompt action. This action includes preparation for the consequences of climate change.

Like ocean currents, the atmosphere encircles the planet, driven by heat absorbed from the sun. Although a small The Envirometer The Envirometer percentage of atmospheric gases, carbon

Air Emisions Greenhouse dioxide (CO2) is a vital ingredient regulating Air quality is improving, but Australia is the highest per person the release of heat back into space. Too motor vehicles and wood greenhouse gas emitter in the world. heaters need to be used more We need to generate much more of our little CO2 reduces the insulating properties wisely. electricity from clean energy technologies and use energy more wisely.

6 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 air

Figure 1 Four hundred thousand years of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and temperature change

Source: Micheal Ernst, The Woods Hole Research Centre of the atmosphere and the potential for form carbonic acid, is causing food scarcity life to prosper. Too much increases its for some marine species. capacity to trap warmth and changes the atmosphere’s thermal dynamics, creating Although Australia’s contribution is small in the phenomenon we know as ‘climate absolute terms, in Victoria we produce more change’. Since the widespread burning CO2 per person than the USA. This is due to our extensive use of cheap and plentiful of fossil fuel began 300 years ago, CO2 is now more abundant than it has been brown coal. Coal is easy to extract and for at least 400,000 years. Measuring export in massive quantities to meet global demand, but the impact of its primary waste CO2 concentration in ice cores provides scientists with a record going back product, CO2, is changing the balance of ecosystems around the world. almost one million years. The lowest CO2 concentration has been recorded at 160 parts per million (ppm) when the Earth CO2 is the most prevalent greenhouse gas, was very cold. The ice-core record shows but there are other gases that also have that, prior to the industrial revolution the a warming impact on the atmosphere. 2 Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are maximum CO2 concentration at 280 ppm. The concentration is now 380 ppm (see a mix of several gases released to the Figure 1). atmosphere primarily as a result of human activity. These are known as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO -e). The warming potency Impacts of climate change ranging from 2 the melting of glaciers in Greenland to the for each of the greenhouse gases is termed European heatwaves are documented their Global Warming Potential (GWP) and is measured relative to CO -e. For example, by scientists around the world. Extreme 2 CO has a GWP of one, whereas methane weather events attributed to the changing 2 (CH ) has a GWP of 21. This means that thermal dynamics of the atmosphere due to 4 the accumulation of CO are now factored methane has a much larger heat trapping 2 capacity than CO . Therefore, one tonne of into the calculations made by insurance 2 methane would be listed as 21 tonnes of companies. The increasing acidifi cation of CO2-e (see Table 1). oceans, due to CO2 dissolved in water to

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 7 air

Table 1 Main greenhouse gases

Greenhouse Gas Scientifi c Global Accounting Human activity releasing GHG acronym / Warming standard formula Potential

Carbon dioxide CO2 1 Kyoto Burning fossil fuel, land clearing

Nitrous oxide N2O 310 Kyoto Burning oil 10,000 to Chlorofl uorocarbons CFC Kyoto Industry s 24,000 Hydro fl uorocarbons HFCs 11,700 Kyoto Industry PFCs Perfl uorocarbons 9,200 Kyoto Industry e.g. C2F6

Sulfur hexafl uoride SF6 23,900 Kyoto Industry

Methane CH4 21 Kyoto Ruminant animals, landfi ll, agriculture

Oxides of nitrogen NOX Indirect UNFCCC Fertilizers Carbon monoxide CO Indirect UNFCCC Burning oil for transport, eg petrol Non-methane volatile organic NM VOCs Indirect UNFCCC Industry compounds

Sulfur dioxide SO2 Indirect UNFCCC Burning coal

Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Pressure on Stratospheric Ozone

Ozone is a gas that can form and react under the action of light and is present in two layers of the atmosphere. At ground Greenhouse gases are identifi ed by level (in the troposphere) it is a damaging two different accounting standards; the pollutant but in the stratosphere it has Kyoto standard and the United Nations a vital role in regulating how much ultra Framework Convention on Climate Change violet light reaches Earth’s surface (Fig 2). (UNFCCC). The main difference between Depletion of stratospheric ozone allows the two standards is the way forests are ultra violet radiation to penetrate the

calculated to store (or sequester) CO2. atmosphere at levels which are dangerous to people and animals. The UNFCCC includes ‘indirect’ greenhouse gases. The description Scientists refer to ozone as a trace gas ‘indirect’ relates to how gas works as because of its rarity in the atmosphere. In an agent for trapping warmth. These a million molecules of atmosphere around indirect substances can have an effect on 10 ozone molecules will be found. The compounds to create a direct greenhouse ozone molecule is composed of three

gas such as methane or CO2. For oxygen atoms. Its structure is vulnerable example, carbon monoxide is an indirect to a range of synthetic gases known as greenhouse gas which oxidises to form chlorofl uorocarbons. Chlorine atoms

CO2. Man-made, or synthetic gases, in these gases break down the ozone also have GWP and, as with the group of molecule and destroy its vital role in shielding gases known as chlorofl uorocarbons, also life on Earth from the damaging properties of damage the ozone layer. ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

8 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 air

An internationally accepted agreement known as the Montreal Protocol was Figure 2 Illustration showing the four main adopted in 1987 to ban certain ozone- atmospheric layers depleting substances released by industrial processes and consumer aerosols. Scientists expect that compliance with the Thermosphere (Aurora) Montreal Protocol over the next 50 to 100 years will restore the balance of ozone in 350km the stratosphere.3 Australia is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol. Mesosphere Continued consumption of ozone depleting substances by nations that do not comply with the Montreal Protocol is the most signifi cant threat to the successful Ozone 90km restoration of stratospheric ozone. Layer 50km Stratosphere Tropopause Pressure on Air Quality Troposphere 18km 14km Air pollution is caused by many variable Earth activities and has an impact on human health and the environment. Some pollutants occur naturally and others are the direct consequence of human activity. A volcanic eruption or a massive wildfi re (such as the widespread slow-burning fi res in Indonesia reported in Bulletin 7) raise huge clouds of particulate matter and other gases, including greenhouse gases, into the upper atmosphere. Atmospheric currents In Metropolitan Melbourne, there are 13 can then create environmental pressures in EPA air monitoring stations, which take locations remote from the source. readings of six pollutants at timed intervals. The objective of taking air samples and Environment Protection Authority – Victoria testing for pollutants is to measure air (EPA) monitors local emissions to air while quality against the National Environment the Australian Government submits a Protection Measure (NEPM) for Ambient Air 4 national greenhouse gas inventory under Quality. The AAQ NEPM sets compliance the United Nations Framework Convention standards for: on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Australian Greenhouse Offi ce, Department • Carbon monoxide (CO) of Environment and Heritage, publishes • Nitrogen oxide (NO2) a greenhouse gas inventory for each Ozone (O ) Australian State and Territory. • 3

• Sulfur dioxide (SO2) The Port Phillip and Westernport air-shed is the monitoring zone for air quality across • Lead (Pb)* Melbourne, Geelong and Westernport • Particles less than 10 micrometres in (see Figure 3). The region contributes the diameter (PM10) greatest impact on air quality in Victoria Particles less than 2.5 micrometres in due to intense activity by humans. Air • diameter (PM ) quality is measured by taking local 2.5 samples and also by monitoring the input and output of industry and agriculture. *no longer measured in Melbourne The EPA takes local samples and the as removal of lead from petrol has National Pollution Inventory (NPI) monitors diminished its presence in airborne commercial facilities. particles.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 9 air

Should any of these substances exceed Figure 3: The Port Phillip air-shed incorporating the levels stipulated in the AAQ NEPM, metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong human health could be at risk.

The NPI estimates emissions to air for the Port Phillip air shed by receiving reports from industrial sites and State government BALLARAT environment agencies.5

MELBOURNE In metropolitan Melbourne the most signifi cant pressure, in terms of gross tonnage of pollutant per annum, is the burning of fossil fuel by motor vehicles, GEELONG MORNINGTON leading to the release of carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Common pollutants to the atmosphere in the metropolitan region can have a range of long and short-term impacts on ecosystems and human health. Those monitored by the EPA and NPI are listed with explanations in Table 2.

Box 1: Sub thresh-hold fuel burning

Some businesses that burn coal and natural gas for energy production and manufacturing processes are not legally required to report their air emissions to the EPA or the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI). Their emissions to air are categorised by the NPI as ‘sub thresh-hold fuel burning’. These and other aggregated emissions are estimated and reported by the EPA.

Bicycle parking in city

10 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 air

Table 2: Common emissions to air

Carbon Monoxide - CO Carbon monoxide increases the amount of methane – a potent greenhouse gas, and oxidises to form carbon dioxide. At high levels carbon monoxide will cause illness (fatigue, gastric upset) to animals, including people. At very high levels carbon monoxide will be life threatening. Long-term (chronic) exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide may produce heart disease and damage to the nervous system. Exposure of pregnant women to CO may cause low birthrates and nervous system damage to the offspring. Volcanic eruptions and fi res of all types contribute to carbon monoxide in the atmosphere.

Ammonia - NH3 Nitrogen is essential for all forms of life, and ammonia is one of the many forms in which nitrogen exists in the environment. At acute levels the toxic effects of ammonia will cause death of animals, particularly birds and fi sh and death or low growth rate in plants. Ammonia does not last very long in the environment. Because it is recycled naturally, nature has many ways of incorporating and transforming ammonia. In soil or water, plants and microorganisms rapidly take up ammonia. Ammonia is released during intensive livestock production. Emissions also occur from the processing of guano, purifi cation of refuse, sugar refi ning, tanneries, and in unpurifi ed acetylene. Sewage treatment plants emit ammonia (usually as ammonium compounds) to water.

Nitrogen Dioxide - NO2 The oxides of nitrogen (nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide) are formed by the direct combination of oxygen and nitrogen during a variety of thermal processes. These include operation of internal combustion engines, thermal power generating plants, from the electric arc or gas torch. In the atmosphere, the oxides of nitrogen are oxidised to nitrogen dioxide (half-life about 50 days), which dissolves in water to produce diluted nitric acid and precipitates in rain. Thus, an increased rate of formation of oxides of nitrogen contributes to ‘acid rain’. In the lower atmosphere, oxides of nitrogen play a major role in the formation of photochemical smog in a complex set of reactions that lead to the formation of a variety of nitrated organic compounds (from volatile organic matter) and excessive levels of ozone. The oxides of nitrogen travel as gases through soil and the atmosphere, and as solution in water in soils, rivers and lakes, and rain and snow. Volcanic eruptions and fi res of all types will also contribute to oxides of nitrogen in the atmosphere.

Particulate matter 10 micrometers in diameter or less - PM10 and PM2.5

PM10 is distributed by wind and physical disturbance such as motor vehicles. Once in the air, unless it is brought to the ground by rain or snow it generally takes a long time to settle. Dust in general, not specifi cally PM10, affects the attraction of areas through reduced visibility and may affect buildings, vegetation and the health of animals and humans depending on the composition and concentrations of other pollutants such as acid-forming gases.

PM2.5 refers to extremely fi ne particles emitted by wood heaters, motor vehicles and industrial sources. These particles become lodged in the respiratory system of humans and animals and may cause a range of health effects including cancerous growths.

Sulfur dioxide - SO2 Sulfur dioxide is a common pollutant to which we are exposed at very low levels every day by breathing air in cities. Higher exposure levels are more likely to be found in the workplace where it is produced as a by-product, such as in smelting and the combustion of coal or oil. Fossil fuel combustion particularly coal-fi red electricity generators and industrial processes that use sulfi de containing ores, e.g. lead, silver and zinc ores, all emit sulfur dioxide to air. It can be ingested by eating preserved foods and breathed in causing a risk to asthmatics and other individuals sensitive to its effects.

Ozone - O3 In the lower atmosphere, ozone is formed by the action of sunlight on oxygen, VOCs and nitrogen oxides in concentrations usually found in cities. Ozone is an oxidant that impacts the respiratory system. It may produce asthma attacks and be debilitating for people with pre-existing heart and lung conditions. Ozone in the upper atmosphere is important for its capacity to bounce ultra violet light back into space and so reduce its damaging effects on living tissue (see Pressure on Stratospheric Ozone page 8).

Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs VOCs cover an enormous range of compounds in vapour or gas form. The major environmental signifi cance of VOCs is in relation to their role in the formation of photochemical smog. VOCs react with oxides of nitrogen to produce ozone and other compounds. In general VOCs are degraded by sunlight so eventually break down to simpler compounds. The health effects depend on the specifi c composition and concentration of the VOCs present. High exposures of VOCs could have serious health effects. Specifi c compounds have various consequences. Lower exposures include: eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system. Some VOCs can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. Accumulation of VOCs in indoor environments has been associated with ‘sick building syndrome’. Other environmental effects depend on composition of the VOC, the concentration and length of exposure.

Source: NPI

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 11 air

Local Air Emissions Figure 4: Substance for Port Phillip & Westernport air- shed in 2004/05 for motor vehicle activity There are many pressures on the local atmosphere due to the activities of human settlement. The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) compiles emissions from more than 500 90 substances from commercial and 400 industrial facilities in the Port Phillip and Westernport air-shed. The most abundant, 300 though not the most toxic pollutant, is carbon monoxide (CO). The primary 200 cause of this abundance in Melbourne is Million Tonnes motor vehicle emissions that account for 100 6 75% of CO and NOX. The NPI highlights motor vehicles as the greatest emitters 0 of CO, NO and VOCs for 2004/05 in the CO NO VOCs x x Port Phillip and Westernport air-shed (see Pollutants Figure 4). Motor vehicles are also the second largest contributor (after electricity generation) to Victoria’s greenhouse gas Source: NPI emissions (16.5% in 2002).7

The EPA did not fi nd CO exceeding standards set by the Ambient Air Box 2: Lead pollution Quality National Environment Protection Measure (AAQ NEPM) refer to its 2005 Despite increases in motor vehicle use, lead pollution from motor Air Monitoring Report.8 Of concern vehicles has been in decline since the introduction of unleaded for decision-makers in government petrol in 1986. Lead monitoring ceased in 2005. and business, and for the public, are projections for an increase in vehicle activity that may escalate environmental pressures in the metropolitan region. The purpose of the AAQ NEPM is to protect human health and it does not consider the impact of local air emissions on our climate.

Carbon monoxide has always been present in the atmosphere chiefl y as a product of volcanic activity. It is created when carbon-containing fuels are burned incompletely. Due to its increasing concentration and chemical reactions with other trace gases to elevate quantities of methane, the UNFCCC lists CO as an ‘indirect’ greenhouse gas.9 CO is short- lived in the atmosphere as it changes Box 3: Photochemical smog through oxidation into the most abundant

greenhouse gas, CO2. Photochemical refers to any chemical reaction which occurs as a result of light energy from the sun. In cities it is common Atmospheric particles are felt keenly by many people as irritation to their respiratory to see smog created by sunlight, nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) trapped in an inversion layer tract. High levels can have serious and around the city. At night the prevailing wind will usually dilute the lasting consequences. Particles less than concentration by pushing it into moving wind currents. 10 micrometres and the fi ner type at less than 2.5 micrometres (PM10 & PM2.5) are caused by windblown dust and motor

12 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 air

vehicle activity and, in the winter months, domestic wood heaters and open fi replaces. Figure 5: Proportion of common emissions to air, based on National Polution Inventory for Port Phillip Condition and Westernport - 2004/05

During 2004/05 carbon monoxide (CO) was the most abundant air pollutant in Volatile Organic Compounds the Port Phillip and Westernport region, 17% followed by oxides of nitrogen (NOX), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Sulfur Dioxide 5% and sulfur dioxide (SO2) (see Figure 5).

Ammonia (NH3) and particles (PM10 and PM10 PM2.5). A long list of other chemicals, also 2% pollute the air in greater Melbourne. Oxides of Monitoring of the primary pollutants by Nitrogen 12% Carbon the EPA for the protection of human Monoxide health shows that all the pollutants in the 62% Ammonia Melbourne area, except particles, met the 2% standard set by the National Environment Protection Measure, (see Table 3). Source: NPI Particles continue to be a problem for Melbourne’s residents. Of the 10 stations monitoring PM10 in 2005, fi ve of these did not demonstrate compliance with the Table 3: Number of days where pollutants did NEPM PM10 goal for human health. The goal allows fi ve non-compliance events per not meet standard in 2005 year. Particles in the local atmosphere are usually the result of disturbance by traffi c, EPA sample site PM PM Ozone NO CO SO construction work, wood heater emissions 10 2.5 2 2 and windblown dust. City & Richmond 5 1

The most abundant pollutants may not Alphington 19 be the most toxic, but in relation to their contribution to climate change, they are the Box Hill 10 10 most infl uential. Oxides of nitrogen, nitrous Brighton 12 oxide, SO2 and CO are listed greenhouse gases and primarily the result of burning Dandenong 11 fossil fuel. Table 4 shows the activities Eltham 6 which make CO, NO2, SO2, VOCs and particles the most important pollutants in our region. Moorooduc Not monitored Mooroolbark 9 MET OBJECTIVES Greenhouse Gas Emissions Footscray 3 Through our use of fossil fuels, the average person in Victoria, emits around 25 tonnes Melton 2% of greenhouse gas per annum. In part, Paisley 7 3 this is because the brown coal used for Victoria’s electricity generation is less Pt Cook 2 1 energy-effi cient than other fossil fuels and requires more energy for its conversion to electricity. Source: EPA Victoria -Victoria’s Air Quality-2005-Publication 1044-June 2006

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 13 air

Electricity generation accounts for more Table 4: Top three activities causing the greatest than 50% of Victoria’s greenhouse gas quantity of emissions to air emissions and demand is expected to increase 15% in the coming decade.10 Table 5 shows that industry, forestry and Activity Compound Tonnes waste management sectors have reduced ‘000 green house gas (GHG) emissions, whereas Carbon monoxide 460 electricity generation and diffuse sources such as transport and sub thresh-hold Oxides of nitrogen 95 energy use has signifi cantly increased. Motor Vehicles Volatile organic compounds 83 This illustrates that large-scale engineering solutions designed for industry, waste

PM10 3 management and forestry would be more successful at controlling emission outputs Sulfur dioxide 3 compared to unregulated and ubiquitous Sulfur dioxide 36 energy use. Controlling the exhaust of millions of cars and trucks, for example, is a Carbon monoxide 26 Burning coal and diffi cult social and environmental challenge. natural gas for Oxides of nitrogen 9 Transport emissions grew 16.4% between industry 1990 and 2004.11 Burning coal and gas Volatile organic compounds 1 for electricity increased 47% in the same period, refl ecting increased demand.12 PM10 2 Carbon monoxide 56 Greenhouse gas emissions from the Domestic solid fuel combustion Volatile organic compounds 19 transport sector, make up 16.5% of Victoria’s 2004 total. Use of all transport

PM10 2modes including motor vehicles is expected to rise a further 16.4% to 2020 Source: NPI on top of 2005 levels.13 National Pollutant Inventory 2004-05.

Table 5: Net greenhouse gas emissions, mega-tonnes CO2-e by sector in Victoria

Sectors 1990 1995 2000 2004 Trend* Energy - electricity generation, manufacturing, transport, exploration and distribution of oil and gas, 79.99 84.36 99.98 103.3 sub thresh-hold energy use Industrial processes - eg aluminium smelting and 3.53 2.14 2.04 2.58 cement clinker manufacture Agriculture - includes emissions from livestock, 14.96 15.1 15.69 15.42 disturbance of agricultural soil Land-use, land use change and forestry Land clearing, planting and harvesting forests sequesters carbon dioxide in new plant growth and 4.65 2.2 -3.74 -2.86 releases carbon dioxide through soil disturbance and burning of plant material Waste - methane from landfi ll and waste water 5.04 4.95 4.39 4.59 treatment plants

Total GHG emissions for Victoria 108.17 108.75 120.74 123.03

* Trend compared to 1990 levels. Source: www.greenhouse.vic.gov.au

14 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 air

Greenhouse Gas Emissions In previous Bulletins, attempts have been made to account for greenhouse gas emissions by postcode or local government areas. Planning greenhouse gas abatement programs at the local level depends on accurate local data. However, the national greenhouse gas inventory only collates data to the level of States and Territories. Further, it is diffi cult to obtain data on local electricity consumption from distribution companies and/or energy retailers.

Huge conservation opportunities are available in the commercial and domestic building design and construction industry. Energy effi ciency in these sectors is an appropriate preparation for renewable energy (Greenpower). Sustainability Victoria and the Building Commission of Victoria are gradually legislating energy conservation at the local level through local planning schemes and building codes. Regulation is expected to help drive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and greater accountability in terms of monitoring and reporting on consumption.

Box 4: Million tonnes of GHG emissions by State and Territory for 2003

NSW: 151.5 Mt Qld: 145.1 Mt Vic: 117.0 Mt WA: 70.4 Mt SA: 30.9 Mt NT: 17.7 Mt Tas: 7.2 Mt ACT: 1.3 Mt

Removing 1 Mt (Million tonnes) of GHG emissions would be the equivalent of removing 200,000 vehicles from service.

Source: www.greenhouse.vic.gov.au

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 15 air

Response Coal and Gas-Powered Electricity Generators The Victorian Government has indicated its Victoria has enough coal reserves to intended response to climate change and use and export for well over 200 years, the pressures it brings on water availability, however air pollution released by coal energy effi ciency and biodiversity in one burning is tipping climate change to a document titled, Our Environment, Our point where sea-level rise, extreme storm Future - Sustainability Action Statement events, drought and deluge cannot be 2006. The Sustainability Action Statement prevented via human intervention. Victoria 2006 contains new investment of more also has ample reserves of wind and than $200 million and 150 initiatives sun. With carbon trading set to become planned to respond to the pressures of a market-based instrument to reduce climate change, using our resources more pollution, coal and gas fi red generators effi ciently and reducing everyday impacts. will have to reduce their emissions profi le. Some highlights from the statement There are several technologies being are policy and fi nancial incentives for explored to clean up the brown coal used renewable energy through the introduction in Victoria’s generators. The Victorian State of a mandated renewable energy target, Government has announced the Energy support for a national emissions trading Technology Innovation Strategy with an scheme and a requirement for industry allocation of $103.5 million, designed to to monitor and report on greenhouse gas fund clean coal projects. emissions.

Action is premised on the scientifi c consensus that the Earth is warming faster than at any time in the last 100,000 years. Serious environmental, social and economic consequences are forecast and the document indicates that Victoria’s population will need to make signifi cant adaptations to a rapidly changing environment. Melbourne’s growing population will result in an increase in Capturing Carbon Underground demand for energy, but it is imperative that we further reduce greenhouse gas Renewable Energy emissions. Fundamental changes in how The Victorian Government proposes we manage carbon in our environment are to introduce legislation to mandate a central to the challenge of climate change. requirement for electricity retailers to purchase a proportion of the electricity from In future the National Pollution Inventory renewable energy sources and on-sell to will report greenhouse gas emissions to consumers. In doing so Victoria will become the public. An emissions trading scheme the fi rst Australian state to create its own will motivate business and electricity mandatory renewable energy target. generators to be energy effi cient. The ways we design, build and adapt to the The proposed target is for 10% of Victoria’s era of a warming planet are features of annual electricity consumption to be from the State Government’s response. It is renewable energy by 2016, that is an hoped that skilled people will fi ll a growing additional 3,274 gigawatt hours (GWh) from number of employment opportunities renewable energy sources. The government in the sustainable energy industry and will provide $1.5 million to help establish that Victoria will benefi t economically the Victorian Renewable Energy Target by adapting early to a ‘low emissions’ and a further $12.35 million to support economy. the development of new technology in the renewable energy industry.

16 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 air

Emissions Trading (Carbon Case Study: The multiple benefi ts of a walking Trading) school bus Emissions trading allows economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of With support of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation greenhouse gas. Emissions trading is one of (VicHealth), many Victorian Councils have recognised the many policy options for reducing pollution, numerous benefits of supporting Walking School Bus (WSB) however because emissions trading uses programs within their municipalities. The WSB program offers a free markets it is a cost-effective means. fun, safe, healthy, educational and environmentally-friendly way Governments are bound by their international for children, who live a short distance from school, to commute. obligations to ‘cap’ greenhouse gas emissions. By introducing emissions trading Implementation of the WSB program contributes to a reduction they will not need to regulate emissions in greenhouse gas emissions. ICLEI-A/NZ, in partnership with outputs of individual companies. Instead, VicHealth, has developed a WSB tool, which quantifies many of they will allow companies to trade within the the benefits of implementing a Walking School Bus. In total, eight national ‘cap’ to meet the Government’s Victorian councils reported measures using the WSB toolkit for international and legal obligations. In practice 2004/05. Collectively, Walking School Buses reduced CO2-e a company that is able to quantify and emissions by more than 10 tonnes per year. cost-effectively implement greenhouse gas abatement actions is able, under the Other benefits for participation include increased physical activity, international emissions trading scheme, to improved mental health and reinforcement of road safety rules. sell its emissions credits to another company The program is a low cost and enjoyable social experience. that is unable to reduce its greenhouse gas Parents can be confident their children have a safe walking pollution.14 journey as all ‘bus routes’ are safety audited by council, and all volunteers are trained and supervised and undergo police checks. In December 1997 the Kyoto Protocol established legally binding targets for all Importantly, social and environmental benefits include improved developed countries to limit greenhouse fitness, lowering the participants’ chances of developing diabetes gas emissions. Although Australia is a and coronary heart disease later in life, and reduced petrol usage. signatory to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change, it has not ratifi ed the Kyoto Protocol. Notwithstanding, Australia has undertaken to achieve the internationally agreed Kyoto target (though not legally binding) to ‘cap’ greenhouse gas emissions at 108% of 1990 levels by 2008/12.

While the Australian Government is not currently considering introducing an Box 5: Electricity measures emissions trading scheme, the state governments have recognised the Gigawatt (GW) Is a measure of power. economic benefi ts of early action, and have joined together to consider a model An appliance or machine that uses electricity is rated by the for a national emissions trading scheme watts it must use to operate. Electric bar heaters, for example, with potential implementation as early as can use up to 2 KWs, (or 2000 watts) on the maximum setting. 2010. The state governments, through the A generator may have the capacity to generate millions of watts National Emissions Trading Taskforce, have (MWs) depending on the type of energy it requires to operate. A prepared an issues paper, Possible Design GW is 1,000 million watts or one thousand MWs. for a National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme. Gigawatt hour (GWh) Is a measure of electrical energy used over time.

For example, a 1,000 watt air conditioner operating for five hours can be billed for 5 kilowatt hours (1000 watts for 5 hours). A city of air conditioners operating at 1 GW for 5 hours has used 5 GWhs.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 17 air

Case Study: Residential solar power

Roof top solar panels are providing one West legacy for future generations”. Brunswick home, with all its electricity needs and have Little or no maintenance is required and the solar panels done so for the past ten years. On 4 April 2006 it was are designed to last at least two decades although their 10 years since Stuart McQuire and Wendy Orams switched their house to solar power and they have been payback period is about as long as their life expectancy. celebrating their achievements ever since. However “some researchers believe that, with the help of new methods ….the cost of photovoltaic cells could Stuart and Wendy’s sustainable house was the first in fall as swiftly as costs in the semiconductor industry Victoria and second in Australia to have grid connected have fallen”15. solar electricity. The house has had a solar surplus each year now for 10 years, by generating more electricity Not all residents have access to an adequately sized than the household has used. It’s put an end to them north facing area that is not overshadowed, but for paying for electricity and they receive credit for putting those that do and are not cash strapped, installing a electricity back into the grid. photovoltaic system is a step in the right direction. At Stuart and Wendy’s the solar electricity panels sit Alternatively you can invest in Green Power. Green on the north-facing roof at the front of the house and Power is the Government accredited renewable energy take up an area of just 18 m2. When the sun shines the product. It provides residents with access to electricity solar panels generate electricity in the form of direct produced by wind or solar without the need to install current (DC), which is fed into an inverter that converts your own system. the electricity to alternating current (AC) and 240 volts, Incentives such as rebates to encourage the installation the same as normally used in other houses. There are of solar electricity are undoubtedly welcome. Coupled no batteries and there is no need for special wiring with mandatory renewable energy targets and legally or appliances in the house. Meters record the flow of binding international carbon dioxide targets and electricity used and produced. carbon rations, incentives will speed up the uptake of Grid connected solar electricity systems are priced renewables. from around $5000, while one that generates a similar The Victorian State Government is currently offering amount as Stuart and Wendy’s would cost less than rebates for solar hot water, and photovoltaics through $12000 (after government rebate). According to Stuart, Sustainability Victoria, see the website, the benefits go beyond free electricity, “Solar power www.sustainability.vic.gov.au is the premium green power because it is renewable, abundant and non-polluting. Unlike electricity from coal, Or for more information on how to create there’s no smoke and no greenhouse gases. Unlike a sustainable and socially just home visit electricity from nuclear power there’s is no radioactive www.greenmakeover.com.au or phone 03 9384 1752. Annual electricity consumption and generation

2500

2000

1500 Use

1000 Solar KILOWATT HOURS

500

0 1996/97 1998/99 2000/01 2002/03 2004/05 The McQuire/Osram household needs the services of grid power especially at night, but on balance, for a decade, they make more than they use.

18 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 air

Figure 6: Photovoltaic rebate program

Greater Dandenong Kingston 1999/2000 Brimbank 2000/2001 Melbourne 2001/2002 Knox 2002/2003 Maribyrnong 2003/2004 Moonee Valley 2004/2005 Melton Banyule 2005/2006 Manningham Whittlesea Casey Maroondah Monash Hobsons Bay Stonnington Whitehorse Wyndham Darebin Photovoltaic Rebate Port Phillip Cardinia (number of installations) Glen Eira 50 to 70 Nillumbik Frankston 40 to 50 Yarra 30 to 40 Bayside Moreland 20 to 30 Hume 10 to 20 Mornington Peninsula Boroondara 1 to 10 Yarra Ranges 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Number of installations The Australian Government Photovoltaic Rebate program (PVRP) provides rebates for grid-connected and stand-alone solar electric systems. In Victoria, the PVRP is administered by Sustainability Victoria. In metropolitan Melbourne since 2000, the greatest number of installations occurred in the Yarra Ranges, Boroondara and Mornington Peninsula.

Source: Sustainability Victoria Greenhouse Gas Reporting limit for the amount of energy an electrical appliance needs to operate effi ciently. Accurate and publicly available greenhouse New MEPS will be introduced by the gas profi les from emission sources are Victorian government for televisions, home fundamental for an effective emissions entertainment systems, computers, chillers, trading program. It is expected the heating, cooling and lighting. These will National Pollutant Inventory will include be supported by consumer incentives greenhouse gas emissions in 2007. to purchase ‘innovative energy effi cient appliances’. Appliance Energy Effi ciency The most effective means for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is to use less by managing the demand for energy. Many electrical appliances use more energy than they need. Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) set a

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 19 air

Figure 7: High effi ciency gas heater rebate program

Bayside 2003/2004 Boroondara 2004/2005 Darebin Frankston 2005/2006 Glen Eira Greater Dandenong Hobsons Bay Hume Kingston Maribyrnong Melbourne Monash Moonee Valley Moreland Mornington Peninsula Port Phillip Stonnington Whitehorse Yarra High Efficiency Gas Heater Rebate Manningham (number of installations) Wyndham Melton 100 to 120 Casey Brimbank 80 to 100 Banyule 60 to 80 Knox 40 to 60 Maroondah Nillumbik 20 to 40 Cardinia 1 to 20 Whittlesea Yarra Ranges 0 or N/A 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Number of installations The Victorian Government’s High Effi ciency Gas Heater Rebate Program provides rebates for the installation of natural gas and LPG heaters in rural Victoria and some outer metropolitan areas. A rebate is available for the installation of 4 and 5 star gas space heaters and 5 star gas ducted heating systems in households residing within the SP AusNet (previously known as TXU) or Powercor electricity distribution areas, and where the households existing source of heating is from electricity, fi rewood, oil or LPG. Yarra Ranges has had over 100 effi cient gas heaters installed since April 2004. The Victorian government has extended the period of the rebate until May 2007 and has funded the program by an additional $1 million.

Source: Sustainability Victoria Energy Effi ciency and Demand regimes, which encourage energy-effi ciency, Management: depend on improved metering and consumption data. It will spend $2 million Energy Consumption Trends on trials of ‘interval meters’ in buildings that measure electricity consumption every half Collecting energy consumption information hour. Through understanding electricity and designing programs to optimise the use demand, consumers can be charged more of energy is another method for managing when demand is high, and less when it is the demand for energy. For some time low. Where prices and meters are used local government has sought accurate effectively people are enabled to use energy consumption data but to date has not more effi ciently. Improved billing information persuaded the electricity supply industry to may make it possible for local government fully cooperate. Intentions by the Victorian to design energy conservation programs government to introduce energy pricing based on available consumption data.

20 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 air

Figure 8: Solar hot water rebate program

Port Phillip 2000/2001 Maribyrnong 2001/2002 Hobsons Bay 2002/2003 Melbourne 2003/2004 Moonee Valley Stonnington 2004/2005 Yarra 2005/2006 Melton Greater Dandenong Maroondah Wyndham Bayside Manningham Banyule Moreland Glen Eira Brimbank Frankston Darebin Solar Hot Water Rebate Whittlesea Whitehorse (number of installations) Nillumbik 400 to 500 Knox Hume 300 to 400 Cardinia 200 to 300 Kingston Boroondara 100 to 200 Monash 50 to 100 Yarra Ranges 1 to 50 Casey Mornington Peninsula 0 100 200 300 400 500 Number of installations The Victorian Government provides solar hot water rebates of up to $1,500 for households switching to solar. Over 5,000 rebates for solar hot water have been issued since 2000 in metropolitan Melbourne.

Source: Sustainability Victoria Cities for Climate Protection

Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) is The primary goal of CCP is to support a global campaign of the International Australian local governments to reduce Council for Local Environmental Initiatives greenhouse gas emissions from (ICLEI). ICLEI is a global association of corporate and community activities. local governments working to assist This is achieved through a performance sustainability initiatives such as greenhouse based fi ve step milestone framework that gas abatement, water conservation involves monitoring emissions, adopting a and sustainability reporting. The CCP reduction target and implementing a local Australia program, now in its 10th year, greenhouse gas action plan. In 2006 all but is a collaborative arrangement between one metropolitan Council was a participant ICLEI-Australia/New Zealand and the of the CCP program. Half of the councils Commonwealth Government’s Australian have completed the 5-step milestone Greenhouse Offi ce. CCP Councils in process and joined CCP Plus (see Table 6). Victoria are funded for specifi c initiatives by the AGO and the Victorian Government.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 21 air

Each year ICLEI-A/NZ invites all CCP Table 6: Local Government commitment to greenhouse participants that have completed Milestone gas abatement through ICLEI’s Cities for Climate 3 to report their local greenhouse Protection program. June 2006 gas abatement achievements to their communities and the Australian Greenhouse Offi ce. CCP Council M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 Plus Banyule In Victoria, councils improved their in- Bayside house greenhouse gas abatement projects Boroondara by 28% between 2003/04 and 2004/05. Casey Within their communities a wide range of Darebin social and technical initiatives reduced Frankston carbon dioxide and its global warming Greater Dandenong equivalents by an additional 90% in 2004/ 05 compared to 2003/04. Hobsons Bay Hume Knox Manningham Maroondah Melbourne Moreland Port Phillip Cardinia Monash Moonee Valley Nillumbik Whitehorse Whittlesea Wyndham Yarra Yarra Ranges Brimbank Kingston Maribyrnong Mornington Peninsula Stonnington Glen Eira Not a participant

Source: International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives Australia/New Zealand (ICLEI)

22 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 air

Case Study: The Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (NAGA)

The Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action commenced operation in 2002 as an informal network to share information, work together on community emission reduction programs and cooperate on the research and development of innovative corporate emissions projects. NAGA’s founding members are the Cities of Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Moreland, Whittlesea, Nillumbik Shire and Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL). In early 2006, the Cities of Manningham, Melbourne and Yarra joined NAGA.

In April 2005 the Victorian Government released the Victorian Greenhouse Strategy Action Plan Update, which provided funding under the Greenhouse Regional Partnership Program for NAGA to expand the Alliance’s work on local greenhouse issues, by providing funding for the employment of a coordinator. This has significantly enhanced NAGA’s capacity to deliver community greenhouse reduction programs.

Some examples of programs delivered by NAGA include:

Energy Smart Electricians

In 2005, NAGA received funding from Australian Greenhouse Office’s Community Abatement Assistance Grant for Energy Services Sector Development – Green Electricians. The project delivered information sessions and training for electrical contractors and related services across the NAGA region. The sessions educated participants about greenhouse issues and helped build their capacity to integrate energy efficiency advice into their services.

Following completion of the pilot project, Sustainability Victoria has provided funding to the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA, the electrical contractors’ industry association) for development of an EcoSmart Electricians national training and accreditation program, which is scheduled to be operational by the 2nd half of 2007.

Sustainable Public Lighting Initiatives

NAGA has been working closely with Sustainability Victoria and AGL in piloting Sustainable Public Lighting Initiatives and in 2005 won the United Nations Australia - Environment Day Awards for the Best Local Government Initiative for its work in this area. T5 compact fluorescents, which use 70% less energy than standard 80W Mercury Vapour lamps, have been successfully trialled throughout the NAGA region and monitoring undertaken of their efficiency and performance.

NAGA received funding from the Sustainability Accord in 2007 to prepare Sustainable Public Lighting Action Plans for each member Council, and develop funding models to build capacity within local government to deliver large scale public lighting improvements in Melbourne’s north. In addition, NAGA has been instrumental in forming the Victorian Sustainable Public Lighting Action Group (VSPLAG) in 2006 to bring together the 5 Victorian Greenhouse Alliances and their member councils, Sustainability Victoria, Essential Services Commission and the Electricity Distribution Businesses to facilitate the process for large-scale installation of energy efficient streetlighting.

Northern Metropolitan Sustainability Street residential project

NAGA has received a major grant from Department of Victorian Communities to deliver Strengthening Communities – Sustainability Street Northern Metropolitan Melbourne Community Greenhouse Action in partnership with Vox Bandicoot and Victoria University. The project is exciting as it brings together the twin objectives of community building and sustainable living (focused on waste, water and energy). The project is being delivered across the NAGA region and is an exciting opportunities to achieve a ‘critical mass’ of community capacity building, greenhouse action, sustainability innovation and neighbourhood linking in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 23 air

Vic 1000 Sustainable Business Project

The Vic1000 Sustainable Business Management Program project, for which Village Green, an energy management and sustainable business consultancy, has received funding from the EPA Sustainability Fund is being delivered across the NAGA region during 2007. The project involves working with groups of small businesses to create ‘sustained behavioural change’ in relation to sustainability while at the same time providing cost savings, increased community involvement and reduced environmental impact.

More information: www.naga.org.au

Metropolitan Local Government Areas, NAGA region indicated in green

24 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 water 2 Pressure

“…..water scarcity is not just an Australian phenomenon. Around the world, governments, industry and agriculture are looking at how to manage water scarcity; how to transition water management onto a sustainable footing. If Australian industry can get this right, it has an opportunity not only to lead the way in Australia, but to export its knowledge and technologies around the world.”

Speech to the Australian Industry Group by the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability 2006.

Port Phillip Bay is the main receiving water body for water from the fi ve catchments of Greater Melbourne. The quality of water fl owing into the Bay affects the functioning of the Port Phillip Bay ecosystem. Pollutants washed from our farms, streets and roofs are transported via the stormwater system to our waterways, and can have a serious impact on aquatic ecosystems in the Bay. For this reason it is important that we continue to improve water quality in all of the waterways fl owing through Melbourne’s catchments into Port Phillip Bay.

Climate change is predicted to reduce rainfall in our region of the world. This will reduce the availability of potable (drinking quality) water and water fl ow essential for maintaining healthy waterways.

As Melbourne’s population grows, the scarcity and quality of water will become increasingly important considerations for Dredge plume during trial channel deepening operations in Port Phillip Bay decision-makers in Melbourne.

Pressure on Water Availability The principal risks to water availability in the coming years will be climate change, population growth and urban development. The Envirometer Long term drought conditions have decreased water availability and contributed to the degradation In Australia, our cultural expectations of of rivers and creeks. More water conservation and water availability are imported from the water quality initiatives are needed.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 25 water

Table 1: Water availability for Melbourne under a medium case climate change scenario (*gigalitre/yr).

Water availability Water availability Water defi cit with Current water use Year without climate with medium climate medium climate estimates change change change 2005 484 555 555 71 2015 510 579 548 38 2030 556 581 503 -53 2055 602 581 424 -178

*1 gigalitre = 1,000,000,000 litres

Source: Draft Sustainable Water Strategy for Central Region –Victorian Government

northern Europe where fresh water is more Pressure on Receiving Waters abundant, and is often used as a conduit Water bodies such as rivers, streams, for the removal of pollutants from human lagoons, billabongs, lakes and Port Phillip settlement. Bay receive water from the atmosphere as rain. Receiving waters collect not only The human population of greater Melbourne water but also everything carried with it, so is predicted to grow to 4.4 million by 2030, the Port Phillip and Westernport regions increasing demand for water.1 are subject to signifi cant pressures from urban and rural development. The CSIRO advised the Victorian State Government of three climate change Above all, scientists from the CSIRO scenarios likely to reduce stream fl ow are predicting that climate change will by between 7% in the best case to 64% increase the intensity of storm events, causing huge volumes of water to rapidly in the worst case. Table 1 indicates enter Melbourne’s drainage network, the availability of water for Melbourne putting tremendous pressure on the from 2005 to 2055 given the predicted system’s capability. Conversely, over population growth and under a medium the medium to long term, the changing case scenario. By 2020 it is expected climate is expected to reduce the volume that demand for water will outstrip supply of water fi nding its way to receiving and by 2030 Melbourne will require an waters and diminish river and stream fl ow. additional 53 gigalitres every year. Furthermore, rising sea levels will lead to increases in saltwater entering estuaries Figure 1 shows Melbourne’s water storage and waterways, the erosion of beaches profi le for the last 33 years. The brown line and on-shore development, with likely shows the combined storage capacity for impact on coastal communities. Melbourne. This line rises and falls over Agricultural development requires water the timeline as storage dams were added to be diverted from rivers for irrigation, and removed depending on Melbourne’s signifi cantly reducing fl ow in rivers and growing demand. Since 2000, water streams. The fl ow in both the Yarra storage volumes have decreased due and Werribee Rivers has reduced to to Victoria’s long-running drought and around 70% of their average natural increased demand. fl ow. Agricultural development also uses

26 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 water

Figure 1: Melbourne Water Corporation total system storage 1970 - 2006

2000

1800

1600

1400

1200

1000

800

Storage Volume (GL) Storage Volume 600

400

200

0 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Daily Total System Storage Volume (GL) Full Supply Volume (GL)

1971 Greendale Reservoir added 1991 Tarago Reservoir added 1973 Cardinia Reservoir added 1991 Devilbend Reservoir added signifi cant amounts of fertilisers containing 1980 Winneke Reservoir added 1999 Tarago removed nitrogen and phosphorous, which are 1984 Thompson Reservoir added 2002 Devilbend removed washed into waterways and accumulate in sediments. While some of these nutrients Source: Melbourne Water are useful to plants and animals, excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus affect water quality and lead to algal blooms. and lack of good quality streamside vegetation threatens 60% of Melbourne’s Lack of fl ow, erosion, introduced weeds rivers and streams. and dams can impede the movement of aquatic species. Thirteen of the 20 native Disease-carrying pathogens originate fi sh species recorded in the Port Phillip and from septic tanks, sewage overfl ow and Westernport region are known to have life animal faeces, and cause harm to humans, stages that require migration upstream and plants and animals. Escherichia coli or downstream. Over 50% of waterways in E. coli, a species of bacteria found in the greater Melbourne obstruct the movement intestinal tract of humans and animals, can of platypus and fi sh. Introduced fi sh have sometimes be pathogenic and is used as colonised all of Melbourne’s waterways an indicator of faecal contamination. displacing some native species, and have changed the structure of natural Approximately 230,000 cubic metres ecosystems. or two billion items of litter enter the waterways from the urban system every Clearance of vegetation can lead to erosion year. Around 95% of litter polluting the and poor condition of riverbanks. Erosion Bay and its beaches comes from the

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 27 water

An abundance of nitrogen and phosphorus Box 1: Nutrient cycling in streams and other water bodies can cause algal blooms making the water Eutrophication: environment inhospitable for aquatic The increase in accumulation of nutrients, especially nitrogen and species. The natural removal of nitrogen phosphorus in freshwater and marine systems, which leads to from water is carried out by the action of excessive plant growth and deprivation of oxygen which can kill sunlight and microscopic plant organisms animal life and result in detrimental changes to ecosystems. (algae) and other plants. Port Phillip Bay metabolises large quantities of nitrogen and The nitrogen cycle involves the uptake of nitrogen from the its ‘denitrifi cation effi ciency’ or capacity to atmosphere by a process called fixation, which is carried out remove nitrogen, is good.4 by microbes or industrial processes. Nitrogen is mainly used by humans as a fertiliser in farmlands, but its excessive usage and The proposed Port Phillip Bay channel run-off can lead to serious problems such as eutrophication. deepening is potentially a signifi cant threat to the water quality of the Bay. The large The phosphorus cycle involves the uptake of phosphorus by quantities of sediment and pollutants organisms. Phosphorus in the environment is mainly found in that channel deepening would disturb, rocks, and natural weathering processes can make it available to especially at the mouth of the Yarra River, biological systems. After decomposition of biological waste, it can may push the metabolic function of the Bay accumulate in large amounts in soils and sediments. Phosphorus to a point when it ceases to function as is used by humans as a fertiliser in farmlands and in detergents. a viable ecosystem. Restoring the natural Overuse of phosphorus can lead to eutrophication. metabolic process after a collapse is almost impossible. Denitrification: Denitrification efficiency may vary from 0 to 100%. A high Condition denitrification efficiency indicates the capacity of the Bay’s biological processes to convert dissolved nitrogen back to The Victorian Government’s Our nitrogen gas released to the atmosphere. A low efficiency Water Our Future action plan assigned indicates recycling of dissolved nitrogen readily available for plant Melbourne Water as the caretaker of growth. Slow processing of nitrogen may lead to eutrophication. river health and gave Melbourne Water A healthy Bay will be indicated by high and stable denitrification responsibility for waterway management, efficiency. It is thought that if denitrification fell to 30% or less the regional drainage and fl oodplain Bay would be harmed. management, the management of the environmental water reserve, and water quality monitoring throughout the Port Phillip and Westernport region.

metropolitan area, costing bayside councils Until November 2005, no designated more than $2 million a year to remove. The regional authority was responsible for remaining 5% is dumped by beachgoers or managing rivers and drainage in part from ships and boats.2 of the Westernport, Werribee and Maribyrnong catchments. In those areas, Pressure on Port Phillip Bay it was up to the combined efforts of The two most signifi cant threats to the State agencies, councils, land-owners, ecosystem health of Port Phillip Bay are the catchment management authorities increasing abundance of nitrogen and the and community groups to carry out presence of exotic marine species. The local improvements. Under the new Northern Pacifi c Seastar, Japanese Kelp arrangements, Melbourne Water is now and European Fan Worm have entered the regional drainage, waterway and the Bay via the ballast water of ships fl oodplain manager for the entire region. and on fouled hulls and equipment. On These improvements in institutional average two to three pest species establish arrangements will provide more consistent each year and compete for habitat with and co-ordinated delivery of waterway 3 indigenous species. health programs (see Figure 2).

28 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 water

Box 2: Channel deepening

The Port of Melbourne Corporation is the statutory authority in charge of vessels arriving at and departing from Port Phillip Bay. Acting on the basis that the draught of ships is expected to increase to 14 metres, a project to deepen the channel for shipping through Port Phillip Bay was trialed between August and September 2005. Port Phillip Bay is shallow and home to 5000 aquatic plant and animal species. As an ecosystem, it provides many services not the least of which is its attraction for recreation by Melburnians. The deepening process requires the removal of 42 million cubic metres (40 million tonnes) of sand, silt and habitat from the sea bed and the mouth of the Yarra River and rock removal at the Rip. From an ecological perspective it is expected that silt, turbidity and spoil could threaten the ecological processes that maintain the capacity of Port Phillip Bay to metabolise nitrogen. As dredging raises huge plumes of material, seagrass and reefs are covered with mud and the water is darkened by silt, preventing sunlight from reaching habitats and so killing plants and animals and disrupting the food chain. Of particular concern is the spoil to be removed from the Yarra mouth, as the area has concentrated levels of toxic substances from industry operating there for many years, which if disturbed, may affect the life cycle of the anchovy which spawn there. The St Kilda penguin colony depends on the anchovy and will starve if they are lost. The disturbance will probably introduce to the food chain toxicants such as pesticides, herbicides, cadmium, mercury, and lead. Recreational activity such as fishing and swimming in Williamstown and Port Melbourne will become a significant risk.5 The project required the Port of Melbourne Corporation to prepare an Environment Effects Statement. The public was invited to make submissions on the project. Having reviewed the report and public submissions, an independent panel of coastal and marine experts recommended that a supplementary environment effects statement be prepared. Reports on the environmental effects of the trial dredging can be accessed on the Port of Melbourne Corporation website. (www.portofmelbourne.com). Community perspectives can be accessed at the Blue Wedges Coalition website (www.bluewedges.org). The Victorian State Government is expecting a supplementary environmental effects statement from the Port of Melbourne Corporation by the end of 2006. After an independent panel and a public hearing process has reviewed the report the project will be referred for Commonwealth and State approval.

Source: Melbourne Water Water quality, water availability and water consumption is the shared responsibility Figure 2: Catchment area by Melbourne Water of several agencies including: retail water companies, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Local Government, Parks Victoria, the EPA and Victorian Government departments.

Water Consumption

The Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Dandenong and Westernport catchment areas harvest and store metropolitan Melbourne’s potable and agricultural water requirements. Melbourne has responded to the current drought which began in 1996 with water restrictions imposed by the Victorian State Government in November 2002. Melbourne introduced permanent water saving rules on 1 March 2005. These were introduced to help secure Melbourne’s water supply for the next 50 years and beyond. At the time of writing Source: Melbourne Water

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 29 water

Table 2: Average annual household water consumption by local government area and water retailer in metropolitan Melbourne 2001-2005 (kilolitre=KL)

Trend Trend Local government Water 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 previous since areas retailer* 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 year 2001/02 Central Melbourne CWW 210 193 174 145 144 Melbourne SEW 149 145 145 130 120 Port Phillip SEW 164 157 155 143 136 Yarra CWW 207 190 177 171 170 Yarra YVW - 187 201 177 161 Inner Boroondara YVW - 216 235 220 212 Darebin YVW - 193 192 179 171 Glen Eira SEW 210 191 201 176 172 Maribyrnong CWW 200 192 169 164 167 Moonee Valley CWW 239 218 205 195 197 Moreland YVW -190 192 178 171 Stonnington SEW 214 195 204 181 177 Stonnington YVW - 232 250 226 220 Middle Banyule YVW -220 226 203 201 Bayside SEW 265 242 254 215 211 Brimbank CWW 246 243 235 211 213 Greater Dandenong SEW 215 204 201 180 174 Hobsons Bay CWW 231 222 190 183 184 Kingston SEW 214 198 197 174 171 Knox SEW 244 220 225 197 193 Manningham YVW - 259 281 251 234 Maroondah YVW - 197 205 189 178 Monash SEW 195 182 184 166 163 Monash YVW -214 221 201 195 Whitehorse YVW - 190 201 185 176 Outer Cardinia SEW 258 212 215 191 179 Cardinia YVW - 221 230 217 201 Casey SEW 242 220 223 200 192 Frankston SEW 239 218 219 193 183 Hume CWW 296 266 264 179 180 Hume YVW - 261 263 237 227 Melton CWW 285 260 246 200 226 Mornington Peninsula SEW 226 207 214 183 173 Nillumbik YVW - 293 316 277 259 Whittlesea YVW - 244 251 224 217 Wyndham CWW 268 249 233 199 207 Yarra Ranges SEW 235 207 216 191 186 Yarra Ranges YVW - 214 231 212 196 Average CWW 237 220 207 183 187 Average SEW 218 200 204 180 174 Average YVW 218 228 206 195

*CWW - City West Water *SEW - South East Water *YVW - Yarra Valley Water NB Data collection periods for YVW and SEW are fi nancial years and for CWW are calendar years Data provided by SEW for 2000/01 and 2002/03 is different from the data published in Bulletin 7

30 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 water

Table 3: Summary of stream condition ratings 2004

Catchment Stream Condition rating (%) length (km) Excellent Good Moderate Poor Very poor Dandenong 322 2 - 22 67 9 Maribyrnong 484 - 2 47 45 6 Werribee 825 7 8 51 32 2 Westernport 1706 6 12 27 39 16 Yarra 3333 22 15 25 27 11 Overall 6670 13% 12% 30% 34% 11%

Source: Port Phillip Catchment Management Authority

Melbourne’s storages were at 39.1% values of rivers and creeks in the Port Phillip capacity and Stage 3 water restrictions and Westernport region. Across the region, were in place. SEPP attainment for pH, suspended solids and metals, is generally good, while Table 2 shows household water SEPP objectives for electrical conductivity consumption moving downwards in all local and dissolved oxygen are achieved government areas in 2001 and 2002. This inconsistently. In general, water quality suggests that households are effectively deteriorates as waterways pass through reducing water consumption in response to water restrictions and water conservation urban areas. Achievement of the SEPP education programs. objectives for nutrients was very low across the region.6 Condition of Rivers and Creeks In 2004/05 there was a total of 431 water quality reports in the Port Phillip Region There are 8000 kilometres of rivers and in which water quality problems caused streams, around 900 wetlands and a exceedence of the objectives stated dozen estuaries in the Port Phillip and in the SEPP. Key problems caused by Westernport catchments. Recent analysis fertiliser run-off from market gardens were in 2002/03 shows that 25% of streams experienced at Watsons Creek, Dandenong in the fi ve catchments of Port Phillip and and Hastings Road Somerville. The highly Westernport are assessed as either good or in excellent condition, 30% are in urbanised and industrial catchment of moderate condition and 45% are in poor or Stony Creek caused problems in the creek, very poor condition.2 near Benna Street, Yarraville.7

The most up-to-date water condition The condition of streams and rivers is report for Melbourne’s rivers and creeks entirely dependent on the attitudes and is Melbourne Water’s Port Phillip and activities of human settlement in each Westernport Regional River Health of the catchments. Since 2004, when Strategy. The Port Phillip and Westernport the responsible authorities quantifi ed Catchment Management Authority reported catchment condition, improvements to on the condition of rivers and streams in monitoring have been undertaken (see Melbourne’s fi ve primary catchments in 2004 (see Table 3). Box 3 page 37). Figure 3 shows that nearly 70% of the major rivers and creeks State Environment Protection Policies are important in the regional context and (SEPP) specify the environmental quality are considered a high priority by water objectives required to protect the uses and management agencies.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 31 water

Figure 3: River and creek regional importance

Source: Melbourne Water - Draft Port Phillip & Westernport Regional River Health Strategy. Jan 2005. Platypus, Frogs and Macro- The Platypus Conservancy records invertebrate observations of platypus in most of Melbourne’s catchments. This is an The diversity of animals in a waterway important signal of ecosystem well-being. and their abundance can reveal important Recent surveys show that platypus are information about environmental condition. returning to waterways around Melbourne. Aquatic invertebrates are small animals, Firgures 4 and 5 include the Conservancy’s including insects, snails, worms and recent observations. shrimps. These and other animals for example native fi sh, frogs and platypus The distribution, diversity and abundance are sensitive to human activity such as of frogs also signal waterway condition. agriculture, forestry and urbanisation. For this reason, Melbourne Water, in Waterwatch (www.waterwatch.com.au) partnership with the Amphibian Research runs community river and creek invertebrate Centre and Melbourne Waterwatch, monitoring programs. The data is encourages community groups to record collected by volunteers and can be used frog distribution, and in the process as a community assessment of waterway become aware of waterway condition. conditions. Recent results identify 10 of the 16 species known to live in the region, including new Figure 4 illustrates the condition of populations of the endangered Growling streams by the presence of aquatic life. Grass Frog. Over 1300 volunteers are Every month Melbourne Water monitors registered to take part in the frog census. toxicants, nutrients, suspended solids, Information about frog species and their dissolved oxygen, E.coli and aquatic life at distribution across local government and 86 sites throughout the region as part of postcode areas can be found at: its comprehensive water quality monitoring http://frogs.melbournewater.com.au/ program. http://frogs.org.au/frogwatch/

32 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 water

Figure 4: Index of stream condition by aquatic life

Index of Stream Condition by Aquatic Life Score Excellent Good Moderate Poor Very Poor

Source: Melbourne Water - Draft Port Phillip & Westernport Regional River Health Strategy. Jan 2005.

Figure 5: Condition of rivers in catchments

Source: Melbourne Water - Draft Port Phillip & Westernport Regional River Health Strategy. Jan 2005.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 33 water

Condition of the catchments

Yarra catchment The forested Upper Yarra catchment is in excellent condition but, #URRENTCONDITIONRATINGSFOR like other urban rivers, the rivers and creeks downstream are under  RIVERSANDCREEKSINTHE9ARRACATCHMENT pressure from urban development. In recent years, loss of habitat for  aquatic life has decreased but some species, including platypus, are  increasing in number and range.  The Yarra River Action Plan was released in 2006 to bring about  improvements to the health of the river and to build on the vast  amount of work and investment by organisations and individuals  over many years. It sets out the strategy and direction to bring 

about further investment over the long term and details a number of OFTOTALLENGTH  actions to help improve the quality of the river’s aquatic ecosystems.   The EPA has a regularly-updated program that monitors E-coli at 12  locations along the lower, middle and upper sections of the Yarra. The  condition ratings at the 12 sites for 2005 are in Table 4 on page 36.

Since the last survey in 1994-2000, platypus numbers have doubled in the lower Diamond Creek, the lower Plenty River to South Greensborough and in the lower Mullum Mullum Creek. Re-colonisation has been observed in the Yarra less than 10km from the CBD in Kew and Fairfi eld. In Ruffey Creek Templestowe platypus have been observed for the fi rst time since 2001.

Dandenong catchment #URRENTCONDITIONRATINGSFOR RIVERSANDCREEKSINTHE$ANDENONGCATCHMENT The Dandenong catchment is in moderate to poor condition  throughout even though some areas are still in saticfactory  condition, especially the forested source of Dandenong Creek  and parts of the Corhanwarrabul-Monbulk Creek system.  Approximately 45% of the catchment is now urbanised. Some  forest pockets remain, particularly in the Dandenong Ranges and  along middle Dandenong Creek. Industrial activity occupies large  areas around Dandenong, Bayswater and Moorabbin.   Water quality is generally fair to poor throughout, with better OFTOTALLENGTH  quality tending to occur in the forested hills. Risks to the  health of rivers and creeks in the catchment include barriers  to the migration of aquatic life, weeds and lack of streamside  vegetation. Stormwater is degrading parts of the catchment but  there are opportunities to manage water quality by implementing the principles of water sensitive urban design. 

Platypus are at risk in the Monbulk-Corhanwarrabul Creek near Belgrave- Upwey and decreasing toward Rowville and Scoresby. A small population of around 15 adults are surviving in the Upper Dandenong-Dobsons Creeks.

34 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 water

Westernport catchment  #URRENTCONDITIONRATINGSFOR  RIVERSANDCREEKSINTHE7ESTERNPORTCATCHMENT The Westernport catchment is not signifi cantly affected by urbanization at present, however rapid urban expansion is  underway along the south-eastern growth corridor (including  Berwick and Pakenham) and the Mornington Peninsula.   The rivers and creeks are diverse in form and health, varying from very  good to good in the northern highlands and from poor to very poor in  the rural and urban sections in the lowlands. OFTOTALLENGTH  The marine ecosystem within Westernport is of regional, national  and international importance (including Ramsar listing), with a range  of habitats and associated mangrove, salt marsh, seagrass, reef and soft seabed communities. The apparent loss of 50-70% of seagrass cover in Westernport since the Due to the 1983 bushfi res, platypus are extinct in the mid 1970s has become a focus of concern Toomuc and Cardinia Creeks, however they have a in recent years because of the critical role substantial presence in the Bunyip-Tarago River. In that seagrass meadows play, not only the Lang Lang River they have a moderate presence in providing food and shelter for fi sh and but are vulnerable in the suburban areas of Western other marine animals, but also in stabilising Port. Occasional sightings have been recorded in the Mornington Peninsula and re- seabeds and improving water clarity. colonisation is underway in the upper reaches of Cardinia Creek.

Werribee catchment  #URRENTCONDITIONRATINGSFOR The Werribee catchment includes the upper, middle and lower  RIVERSANDCREEKSINTHE7ERRIBEECATCHMENT reaches of the Werribee River, and the Parwan, Skelton, Lerderderg  and Laverton creeks. The condition of these is variable but most are  moderate to poor. The catchment is located in a comparatively low  rainfall area and stream fl ow is a major issue. Stream fl ows have  been reduced and loss of native vegetation has been exacerbated by the  current long-running drought and water harvesting for irrigation.  OFTOTALLENGTH  Although platypus are absent in the tributaries of the  Werribee River they have a moderate presence in the  river between Werribee and Melton Reservoir, near  Bacchus Marsh and in the Werribee Gorge, and also  the Lerderderg River.

Maribyrnong catchment  #URRENTCONDITIONRATINGSFOR The Maribyrnong River has two main branches: Deep Creek and  RIVERSANDCREEKSINTHE-ARIBYRNONGCATCHMENT Jacksons Creek. Both are fed by a number of tributaries including Boyd  Creek and Konagaderra Creek. Around 10% of the catchment retains  natural vegetation, 80% is agricultural and 10% urban.There has been  much urban and industrial development in the lower section and the impact is evident in poor water quality. All of the rivers and creeks in the  Maribyrnong catchment are subject to extended periods of low fl ow.  The upper catchment is good, but many tributaries in the middle and  lower reaches have declined as a result of urban and rural development.  OFTOTALLENGTH  In the Maribyrnong upper, platypus are scarce to  within 10 kilometres from the CBD and absent in  the lower reaches. In Jackson’s Creek and Deep  Creek there are substantial resident populations.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 35 water

Table 4: Environment Protection Authority EPA-Victoria general condition report 2005 for The Yarra River

Monitoring Site Rating Very Millgrove/Warburton – Dee Road Bridge Almost always suitable for recreation including swimming Good Healesville Everard Rd Canoe Ramp Moroondah H/way Good Suitable for recreation including swimming except after wet weather Coldstream – Spandonis Reserve Good Suitable for recreation including swimming except after wet weather Warrandyte – Warrandyte Rd Bridge Good Suitable for recreation including swimming except after wet weather Launching Place – Don Rd Bridge Fair Suitable for recreation but not swimming Heidelberg – Banksia St Bridge Fair Suitable for recreation but not swimming Kew – Chandler Hway Bridge Fair Suitable for recreation but not swimming Abbotsford – Johnston St Bridge Fair Suitable for recreation but not swimming

Southgate - Princes Bridge Fair Suitable for recreation but not swimming

Docklands – Charles Grimes Bridge New site no records yet South Yarra – Pier downstream of Prahran Main Drain New site no records yet Templestowe – Fitzsimmons Rd Bridge New site no records yet

Source: EPA www.epa.vic.gov.au/YarraWatch/default.asp

Condition of Port gazetted to include the target to remove Phillip Bay – its 1000 tonnes of nitrogen by 2006.9 water, beaches A sewage treatment plant has the management and engineering capacity to and bays control its input and output. As a result, Melbourne Water has achieved remarkable This section of the Bulletin provides insight results on 11,000 hectares using leading into water quality in the Bay, with a focus on engineering and biological processes. By marine pests, nutrients and human health. 2005 the Western Sewerage Treatment Plant in Werribee had removed a total of Environment Protection Authority (EPA- 887 tonnes of nitrogen that would have Victoria) provides daily condition reports otherwise entered Port Phillip Bay.10 The and a seasonal summary for 35 Port interim review of the 1000 tonne nitrogen Phillip Bay beaches. It measures levels of reduction target in the Port Phillip Bay enterocci bacteria and assesses whether Environment Management plan and SEPP the beach-water quality is suitable for states that; “(it) will require ongoing attention swimmers. beyond 2006 given the load increases predicted to result from the catchments’ CSIRO carried out a comprehensive continued urban development”.11 four-year study of Port Phillip Bay. This investigation was completed in Compared to sewage, the diffuse 1996 and sought to assess the health sources of nitrogen entering the Bay from of the Bay, identify factors having an agricultural and urban developments are environmental impact and how best to more diffi cult to control. Water Sensitive manage the Bay for the long term.8 The Urban Design (WSUD) is an example of 16 recommendations included a ‘target adaptive management that endeavours to reduction of 1000 tonnes of nitrogen treat water at many intervals on its journey. per year’ to be adopted. The following This will reduce the impact of its volume year a variation to the State Environment on drainage and improve water quality as it Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) was moves towards Port Phillip Bay.

36 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 water

Marine Pests Box 3: Marine pest northern pacifi c seastar (Asterias amurensis) The Central Coast Board, established in 1996 under the terms of the Coastal Management Act 1995, is responsible for the review process of the Port Phillip Bay Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The Central Coast Board in the 2004 interim review notes that:

“There has been little improvement in relation to measuring and addressing the risks associated with existing marine pest incursions on the ecology of Port Phillip Bay since the commencement of the EMP, despite the increased recognition of the existing and potential risks. Further work to provide an understanding of the ecological, environmental, and economic impacts of these pests within the Bay is urgently needed. Given the severity of potential risks The seastar is a voracious predator and is a major pest for the shellfi sh farming industry to the values of the Bay, research is also required into:

• The human infl uences, including Table 5: Enterocci organisms at contaminated beaches human-induced environmental change, responsible for increasing the spread Beach Enterocci organisms over SEPP of exotic species within the Bay and to adjacent ports. Rye • The relationship between disturbance Elwood of habitat and increased nutrient loads St Kilda on the success of the exotic marine Port Melbourne MINIMUM STANDARD pest species. Altona NOT ACHIEVED ON A • The role of natural systems in FEW OCCASIONS limiting the spread of exotic marine Queenscliff organisms.” Source: EPA Beach Water Quality Results 2004-05 Ships’ ballast water is a potential source of marine pest introductions. On July 1 2004 a Waste Management Policy for ships’ ballast water was introduced to protect Victoria’s humans and other warm-blooded animals, marine environments from marine pests and are typically present in sewerage. introduced via ballast water.12 When more than 500 Enterocci organisms In fi ne weather, beaches around Port Phillip are found in a sample of 100 millimeters of Bay enjoy good water quality. But during water in consecutive daily samples, or when intense storm events such as those that levels are above 3500 in a single sample, the occurred over the summer of 2004/05 EPA declares the beach unsafe. In January the metropolitan drainage network can and February of 2005 this occurred on a few be overstretched, resulting in high levels occasions at a number beaches around Port of bacteria contaminating beach-water Phillip Bay, after severe storms (Table 5). A quality for up to four days. High volumes large plume of fl oodwater entered the Bay of stormwater can cause contamination from the Yarra River and contaminated St from the sewage network so that beaches Kilda, Elwood and Port Melbourne beaches become unsafe for swimmers. Enterocci for a few days after the storms. Queenscliff, bacteria are found in the intestinal tracts of Altona and Rye were also contaminated.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 37 water

A number of non-toxic algal blooms were also Box 4: Index of river and stream condition detected over the summer of 2004/05 in Port Phillip Bay. Algal blooms occur naturally in Melbourne Water’s Index of River Condition (IRC) is designed marine waters and may occur during spring to provide an overall integrated measure of the environmental and summer. They range in colour from pink, condition of rivers. It is based on the Index of Stream Condition red, orange to brown and are generally short- (ISC) developed by the Department of Sustainability and lived. Blooms are typically found in surface Environment for rural rivers and creeks. The IRC has been waters in the vicinity of stormwater outlets modified to account for all the urban rivers and creeks and new which deliver high levels of nutrients ideal for data in Melbourne Water’s operating area. rapid growth.13 www.melbournewater.com.au/content/rivers_and_creeks/river_ condition/river_condition.asp Due to the long-running drought, less www.vicwaterdata.net/vicwaterdata/data_warehouse_ water is reaching the Bay. As a result the content.aspx?option=5 Bay is saltier than at any time since 1983. The winter rains in 2004 and summer rain in February 2005 led to a small decline in salinity.14

Table 6: Denitrifi cation effi ciency in Port Phillip Bay Each year the capacity of natural processes to metabolise nitrogen is measured at Hobsons Bay and central Port Monitoring Central Port Hobsons Bay Phillip Bay in spring and autumn. Nitrogen season Phillip Bay in solution is taken up by the action of plants, animals, the tides and sunlight Spring 2002 90.9% 84.9% on the waters of Port Phillip Bay. These Autumn 2003 88.6% 64.2% natural processes remove nitrogen from the water so ‘denitrifi cation effi ciency’ is Spring 2003 93.3% 46.1% used as an indicator by scientists. Other indicators include salinity, temperature, Autumn 2004 65.9% 42.5% dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll fl uorescence, Spring 2004 90.2% 57.3% Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR: light necessary for plant growth), carbon Autumn 2005 67.2% 33.7% dioxide, ammonium, oxidized nitrogen, phosphate and silicate. Denitrifi cation is Source: Port Phillip Bay Environmental Management Plan always effi cient in central Port Phillip Bay.

A healthy Bay will be indicated by high and stable denitrifi cation effi ciency. A low Box 5: The St Kilda fairy penguins (Eudyptula minor) effi ciency indicates the recycling of nitrogen into forms readily available for further plant The wellbeing of the penguin colony at St Kilda breakwater is an growth, and may lead to nutrient enrichment indicator of Port Phillip Bay’s ecological health. Penguins live in (eutrophication). In Port Phillip Bay, a decline close range to their primary food source, anchovy that spawn of 30% in denitrifi cation effi ciency would be a at the mouth of the Yarra River near Hobsons Bay, on prime cause for alarm. cosmopolitan real estate established in 1956 for the Melbourne Olympics. St Kilda penguins are different from those famous Table 6 shows the evidence of a fall in Fairy Penguins at Phillip Island. The St Kilda colony is fatter and denitrifi cation effi ciency in Autumn 2004 and have less reason to leave the Bay as they feed and breed near Autumn 2005 compared to the previous their ever-reliable and delicious anchovy. The Phillip Island colony spring. Nutrient fl ows (nitrogen) were higher must hunt a variety of small fish, often fingerlings of larger fish, at the sea bottom around Hobsons Bay but to survive. They often enter the Bay for food and run the risk remained within ranges previously measured. of being hunted by seals. In May 2005 the St Kilda colony was treated to an unusually large shoal of anchovy, increasing its size to 1110, the biggest since records began in 1986.

Source: The Blue Wedges Coalition–www.bluewedge.org

38 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 water

Response Table 7: Implementing change

“Our traditional approach to managing Legislation and regulation water has been to exploit rivers and Legislation facilitates regulation and drives change where a aquifers, create dams to supply towns, voluntary system may be too slow. industry and irrigation, and then Water Trading An interconnected water system allows demand to meet supply at dispose of the ‘waste water’ back a market rate. into rivers or the ocean. This is not Pricing sustainable.” The cost of water will reward conservation and effi ciency and refl ect the full cost of water services. Our Water Our Future – Securing our water for Incentives the next 50 years – The Victorian Government Give customers a fi nancial reward for changing behaviour: • Rebates on water tanks In response to the long-running drought • Industry water conservation fund experienced by Victorians and dire • Stormwater and urban water conservation fund predictions of water scarcity due to climate • Victorian Water Trust ($92.5 million over 4 years) change, the Victorian Government has • Smart Water Fund (www.smartwater.com.au) prepared reforms to water management in Targets its white paper, Our Water Our Future. 25% reduction of water consumption for Melbourne (compared to 1990 average) by 2015 increasing to 30% by 2020. The Victorian Government confi rms that Education it will retain control of water resources Uptake of conservation and effi ciency requires behaviour change. and that water authorities will continue to This can be infl uenced by education. be owned by the public. Fundamental Knowledge and research reform will see the consumer of water Investment in research will be provided across the water industry. paying the full economic cost. This means the user will be motivated to conserve Source: Our Water Our Future, Department of Sustainability & Environment and recycle water. The Government has included a range of behaviour change and legislative tools (see Table 7) to protect Victoria’s water resources. The White Paper responds to the scarcity of water • Providing for the environment – by endeavouring to change traditional protecting and improving the health assumptions and recognise water as of rivers. a local renewable resource with high • Conservation and effi ciency – of ecological value. water supply and storage. • System interconnection The Sustainable Water Strategy for the – connecting water reservoirs so that Central Region is the regional action water can be moved and managed plan that includes Greater Melbourne. to meet demand. The central region also covers Ballarat, • Recycle and re-use – development Bacchus Marsh, Warragul, Traralgon, of innovative techniques to utilise Geelong and Westernport. alternative sources of water eg; stormwater. Table 8 shows some of the actions • Supply augmentation – increasing proposed by the Victorian Government for the potential for additional capacity greater Melbourne in the Sustainable Water in existing storage systems, Strategy–Central Region. A comprehensive importing water and extracting range of options is presented for the region potable water from briny and sea under the themes, water ie; desalination.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 39 water

Table 8: Securing water for Greater Melbourne The Victorian Government’s proposal to meet urban water needs

Conservation and effi ciency Action Recommendation Water Savings Permanent Water restrictions • Private and public gardens Up to 53k ML by 2055 • Vehicle cleaning • Paved areas • Pools and spas Water effi ciency at home A variety of options utilising legislation, incentives, targets and Up to 38k ML by 2055 education Water effi ciency for commercial A variety of options utilising legislation, trading, pricing, incentives, Up to 9k ML by 2055 and industrial use targets, education and research Leak control in urban distribution Expansion of Melbourne water authorities existing leak detection 2k ML p/a systems program Recycling and re-use of water to create alternative sources Metropolitan Water Recycling Plan The ‘Plan’ consolidates recycling options for Melbourne’s four water Designed to meet 25% 2004/05 retail businesses. (See Table 9 on page 40) conservation target based on 1990s average Rainwater tanks in all new homes Star rating performance system for households to achieve water $950 per ML plus 25% of existing homes effi ciency 29k ML p/a Small scale use of stormwater for Long-term concept to treat stormwater from heavy rainfall in 20 Up to $450 ML drinking purposes treatment plants 14.6k ML p/a Recycled water pipe systems in Dual pipe system to distribute non potable water $950 per ML new residential and commercial 40k ML p/a developments for non potable uses Greywater re-use for toilet, laundry Anticipated to stimulate growth in the plumbing industry $950 per ML and garden in all new houses 30k ML p/a Large scale treatment and reuse of Collect, store and treat stormwater for drinking and transfer to $450 per ML stormwater for drinking – Dights Falls Sugarloaf Reservoir for release to Melbourne’s reticulation system 43k ML p/a Substitute Yarra River water with Pump water from Eastern Treatment Plant into Yarra River at Yering $450 per ML recycled water Gorge to provide additional fl ows 70k ML p/a Interconnection Substitute potable water with Connect recycled water supply from sewerage treatment plants for $650 per ML recycled water from the Eastern agriculture and industry, freeing potable water to meet increasing 115k ML p/a Water treatment plant demand Supply augmentation Connect Bunyip River to supply Subject to an environmental fl ow study (due end of 2006) $250 per ML Melbourne 6k ML p/a Desalination Saltwater from the sea and or briny water from aquifers treated to $650 per ML potable water quality standards 50k to 100k ML p/a Providing for the environment The Rivers Yarra River Improve fl ow regime 20k ML Werribee River Improve fl ow regime 6k ML Maribyrnong River Improve fl ow regime 3k ML Bunyip/Tarago Rivers Improve fl ow regime 3k ML ML = Megalitre Source: Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy

40 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 water

Case Study: Waterwatch volunteer’s research helps improve water quality

David Barr from the Friends of Wilson’s Reserve has been monitoring water quality at four sites on the Yarra River, Ivanhoe, every month for fi ve years, as well as three other sites between 2002-2004. These sites aren’t pristine; they are the drains and billabongs that fi lter the water before it goes into the Yarra River.

Initially, David sampled the Yarra River up and downstream from specifi c drains to assess their impact on the Yarra River. Due to low and intermittent fl ow in the drains, David switched to more detailed sampling of drains and billabongs within Wilson’s Reserve and fi ve serial siltation ponds on Ivanhoe Golf Course. The aim of this was to fi nd out whether the ponds were effective in “cleaning up” the water from the drains before it reached Bailey’s Billabong. David Barr sampling Bailey’s Billabong Two years of monthly sampling have indicated that the ponds are indeed reducing the amount of sediment, fertiliser and other pollutants reaching Bailey’s Billabong and ultimately the Yarra itself. The program demonstrated the benefi t of settling ponds/ billabongs in improving the quality of the highly degraded water from urban drains. Regular monitoring of the water bodies showed that Reedy Billabong is almost completely silted up, limiting its capacity to improve the quality of the water from the Boulevard Drain. In addition, a blockage and an eroded bank is causing water from the Boulevard Drain to fl ow straight into the river rather than passing through a settling stage in Reedy Billabong. Melbourne Water was advised of the situation and has subsequently carried out remedial works to improve the situation and ensure the ponds are working effectively.

Banyule Council is now considering the development of a wetland/siltation system, in conjunction with Reedy Billabong, to provide more extensive water settling capacity for the Boulevard Drain.

This has been a satisfying result for David and showed the value of the Waterwatch program. David’s sampling of the aquatic macro-invertebrates, has given a further indication of the quality of the water in the drains and billabongs. A substantial record of systematic sampling data has now been compiled from various water bodies in Wilsons Reserve. This has been entered on the Waterwatch database and is available for further studies.

David has been nominated for the Keep Australia Beautiful - Sustainable Cities Award 2006 for his work.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 41 water

Case Study: New wetland to improve water quality

What was once a very overgrown and weedy site infested with introduced poplars and environmental weed species such as blackberries, wandering creeper, hemlock and woody weeds, is being transformed to improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife. The site, part of Banyule’s Warringal Parklands, has been identifi ed as an excellent place to create a wetland to fi lter stormwater runoff and provide a haven for freshwater invertebrates, frogs and waterbirds.

Over the past 200 years, vast areas of wetlands New wetland taking shape at Warringal Parklands throughout Victoria have been drained to create productive grazing and farming land. It has only recently been realised that wetlands and marshy swamplands function as nature’s fi lter systems, and play a critical role in the environment – providing a diverse habitat in which wildlife live and breed.

Work is now well underway to rehabilitate the area and the wetland has been formed. Council and the community will be reinstating 11,500 trees, shrubs, aquatic and semi-aquatic indigenous plant species back in to this very important section of the lower Yarra catchment, creating a haven that both local wildlife and people can enjoy.

Table 9: Identifi ed water recycling opportunities in Melbourne

Werribee Irrigation District Mornington Schemes Eastern Irrigation Scheme Hastings Pipeline Pressurisation WTP On-site Recycling Balliang Whittlesea Scheme Boneo Market Gardens Kooringal/Sanctuary Lakes Werribee Technology Precinct Aurora Development Altona Industrial Sandhurst Club Yering Scheme Inkerman D’lux Development Coolaroo Industrial VISY Onsite Recycling Gunnamatta Golf Sand Belt Scheme Mornington Racecourse Wyndham Residential Frankston Schemes Princes Park Water Recycling Project Craigieburn Municipal Cranbourne East Residential Fawkner Crematorium Cranbourne West Residential Flemington/Footscray Offi cer Residential Brimbank Park Moorabool Craigieburn Residential

Source: 2004/05 Metropolitan Water Recycling Plan Prepared by Melbourne’s Water Businesses: City West Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water

42 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 water

Case Study: A City of Boroondara water saving initiative

The City of Boroondara has installed water saving urinals and mains dual flush toilets at four of its key public facilities. The waterless urinals save about 9 litres of water per use, and the mains dual flush toilets save approximately 8 litres per flush. These initiatives, funded by an Australian Government Community Water Grant, will lead to significant water savings each year of an estimated 789,000L. While waterless urinals may seem worrying at first, rest assured that they are hygienic and will almost eliminate odour through the use of a fragrant and biodegradable liquid that floats above the drain to prevent vapour escaping. The absence of water minimises bacterial growth and will also reduce odour. These environmentally friendly urinals also do not require deodorisers or harsh chemical cleaning. But, as with all their urinals, Council will still clean them daily. Mains dual flush toilets are a better alternative to normal cisterns as the force of the flush is greater and mechanical maintenance costs are greatly reduced. These units have been installed at Council’s public facilities at Cotham Road, Central Gardens, Hays Paddock and Yarra Bend Reserve. Council has also installed waterless urinals at its Camberwell Offices, Riversdale Depot and Balywn and Kew Libraries, and is now planning to install these units in all new (public) and refurbished buildings.

Case Study: Catch a Carp Day at Darebin Parklands

On Saturday 18th November 2006 more than 50 Parents and children turned up for the annual Catch a Carp day at the Darebin Parklands. The event, which has been held regularly over the last few years, has as its major aim to help decrease the amount of Carp Cyprinus carpio occurring in the Darebin Creek. The Catch a carp day began with all participants registering and having a low down into where the “runs” were. The runs are safe, supervised areas for fishing. Julia from Waterwatch gave a talk to all participants on the issues with Carp, and some pointers into landing a “big one”, as did some other experienced anglers. Then it was off to fish! Lunch was a BBQ in the park followed by some water bugging with the Waterwatch trailer. A raffle was also held and fantastic prizes were won by participants, donated from local fishing stores Oz camping in Thornbury and Game Hunter in Epping. Unfortunately no Carp were caught on the day, apart from one Eel which was returned to the Creek. Or is this a good sign that there are not too may Carp in this part of the Creek, so we should move to another spot on the Darebin next year? Or are the Carp just too clever for us Homo sapiens? After all, they have survived quite well for 50 years in our waterways. Written by Julia Vanderoord, Waterwatch Co-ordinator for the North East Melbourne Region Carp are a native of Central Asia, and were first brought into Australia in the 1850s but did not become a nuisance until the 1960’s when illegally imported Carp escaped into the Murray River and spread rapidly. Carp are presently widely distributed in South Eastern Australia. Carp have been blamed for many of our river health issues, from the decline of native fish to degrading habitats But it is mainly the alterations to our river systems, such as altering natural flows, farming, urban development, removing in stream and bank habitat that have provided Carp with ideal situations. Many of our native fish cannot adapt to these changes as well as Carp, thus Carp have become the dominant fish of many of our freshwater waterways today. Please note: to fish in freshwater or marine waters in Victoria you require a fishing permit. Contact the Department of Primary Industries or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 43 water

Case Study: Watermark 2020 in the City of Melbourne1

Bulletin 7 in 2004 reported on the Watermark 2020 strategy developed by the City of Melbourne to reduce the use of water by council, residents, industry & businesses in the City. The main goal of the Watermark Strategy is to use less water in the year 2020 than was used in 1999. To date the population has increased from 51,000 (2001) to 69,000 (2005) and the city has had an absolute decline of 5% in water consumption to the year 04/05. In order to meet the 99 target an absolute reduction in total water use of 12% across the city is required. The City is well on the way to achieving that. The municipal water profile indicates that a total of 22,126 megalitres (ML) of potable water was consumed in 2004/2005: an increase of 3 percent (646 ML) from the previous year and a decrease of 5 percent from base year levels (1999/2000). The increase in water usage reflects the growing residential population in the municipality, with residential water use increasing by 6.2 percent (355 ML) from the previous year and 18.4 percent on base year levels. The highest absolute increase in residential water use was observed in the suburb of North Melbourne (200 ML), and the highest relative increases were observed in the suburbs of Southbank (21%), North Melbourne (37%) and Docklands (590%). Whilst there has been an increase in residential population in these areas, this does not account for increased residential water use. Therefore, these suburbs should continue to be focal points for behaviour change programs. Non residential water use has increased by 1.8 percent (289 ML) from the previous year and decreased 11.6 percent on base year levels. Whilst the water consumption of this sector has experienced a lower relative increase than the residential sector, in absolute terms the figures are not dissimilar. A significant decrease in non residential water use was observed within the CBD (263 ML). It is difficult to comment on the key contributor to this decrease other than to recognise the key impact of City of Melbourne and other stakeholder programs targeting the business sector. South East Water has profiled daily residential water use per capita for each council. Their data demonstrates usage of 157 litres/day for 2004/05, which is similar to usage patterns for 03/04 (158 litres/day), but a substantial decrease on usage patterns for 2000/01 (196 litres/day). To date, the 05/06 year demonstrates a reduced usage of 143 litres/day/person.

Reduction Consumption by 2020 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 on Base yr Sector (ML) Target 99/00 Non Residential 18,176 18,369 16,282 16,166 15,786 16,075 -11.6% Residential 5,109 5,484 5,612 4,578 5,695 6,051 18.4% Total Consumption 23,284 23,853 21,894 20,744 21,481 22,126 -5% -12% CoM Population 50673 53786 57960 61670 69363 City of Melbourne 2003, WaterMark: Towards Sustainable Water Management by 2020, City of Melbourne. For more information contact the City of Melbourne on 9658 9658 or visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au

     

-,   2ESIDENTIAL   .ON2ESIDENTIAL         9EAR 1 City of Melbourne 2003, WaterMark: Towards Sustainable Water Management by 2020, City of Melbourne.

44 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 open space 3 Pressure

Local public open space is a vital component of the urban fabric. Local governments manage open space for a variety of uses including active recreation (eg sporting ovals), passive recreation and conservation bushland. In the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Parks Victoria manages approximately 280 parks and reserves covering 165,725 hectares. These include terrestrial and marine national parks, state parks, regional parks, open space parklands, conservation reserves and marine sanctuaries. The Yarra Ranges National Park is by far the largest park in metropolitan Melbourne at 77,040 hectares, followed by Lerderderg and Bunyip State Parks at 20,180 and 16,655 hectares respectively. Parks Victoria manages more than 6000 hectares of parks in metropolitan Melbourne. By 2008 Parks Victoria together with local authorities, will open three new parks in the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment:

• The Merri Creek Parklands will cover 800 hectares and will connect existing Source: Irrigated park in Melbourne, photo Martin Steele grassland conservation reserves of national and state signifi cance along a 16 kilometre riparian corridor. The new park will be managed by Parks Victoria and local authorities and will incorporate environmentally signifi cant grasslands.

• The 230 hectare Werribee Regional Park is located within the western shoreline of Port Philip Bay and the Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site (wetlands of international signifi cance). It will include a signifi cant 8 kilometre reach of the Werribee River from the river mouth at Port Phillip Bay.

• The Toolern Creek Regional Park will include over 100 hectares along Toolern Creek, connecting other open space recreation and conservation reserves from The Envirometer the Melton Township to the confl uence of Melburnians are generally satisfi ed with our major parks. the creek with Werribee River.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 45 open space

Pest Plants Figure 1: Pest Plants threatening the Port Phillip region The impact of weeds and pest animals is a national problem. Each year weeds cost Australia $3.9 billion in lost farm Horsetail (Equisetum spp.) chokes production.1 They alter ecosystem waterways and has deep inaccessible function, increase the risk of fi re, roots. This plant has been on sale contribute to land degradation and at nurseries and markets but is now increase infrastructure maintenance considered one of the world’s worst costs. Parks Victoria conducts weed and weeds.2 pest animal management programs to reduce these impacts in parks and on neighbouring land.

The present noxious weed list in Victoria has not had a systematic review since Giant Knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) 1974 and is signifi cantly out of date. rapidly invades riverbanks displacing all The Department of Primary Industries is other vegetation by shading and root currently engaged with regional catchment competition. It dies back over winter, management authorities to review the list. leaving bare soils open to erosion. Figure 1 illustrates a selection of State prohibited weeds that are a specifi c threat to the Port Phillip Region but are not listed as regionally prohibited or controlled (see page 50).

Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Preventing the introduction of a weed tenuissima) fi rst detected in nurseries can save many years of hard work. If in Mt Macedon in December 1998 and any of the weeds shown are identifi ed found in private and public gardens is in the Port Phillip and Westerport regarded as the worst pasture weed in catchments, the authorities must be Australia. notifi ed. Information for each of the weeds illustrated and the complete list of declared noxious weeds can be viewed at the Department of Primary Industry’s website (www.dpi.vic.gov.au). Karroo Thorn (Acacia karroo) has the Pest Animals potential to invade and form monocultures Local government has an important role across southern Australia. Note the large to play in the control of pest animals such white spines which injure grazing animals as rabbits, foxes and cats. These are and make the plant diffi cult to handle. a persistent threat to local wildlife and common in metropolitan Melbourne.

The fox has adapted to live in a wide range of habitats including urban areas. Foxes are generally nocturnal animals, resting during the day and foraging at Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium night. They rest under houses and sheds aurantiacum) is closely related to and in hollow logs, rock piles, drainpipes dandelions and sow thistles that release and car bodies. They forage around chemicals that inhibit the growth of other rubbish bins, picnic sites and compost plants. heaps and will consume fruit and leftover pet food. In urban areas the fox will regularly eat possums, mice and rats. It is not unusual to see foxes, especially between midnight and dawn. Foxes and Photos supplied by Kate Blood - Department of Primary Industries

46 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 open space

rabbits are declared established pest animals throughout the State under the Figure 1 continued Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Alligator Weed (Alternanthera A female rabbit can produce up to six litters philoxeroides) is believed to have been of around fi ve kittens each year. A single introduced to Australia in shipping pair of rabbits in 18 months can increase ballast. It has mistakenly been grown as to 184 individuals.3 This prolifi c breeding, a home garden vegetable in Melbourne provides food for both cats and foxes and causes major blockages of water which prey on them. Therefore controlling fl ow. Most infestations are in back yards rabbit populations also controls cat and in suburban Melbourne, particularly in fox numbers. In outer Melbourne suburbs the south-eastern suburbs. where rabbit populations are persistent, control methods rely on collaborative efforts between land-owners and local government. Rabbits are a problem because they compete with native wildlife and livestock Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), for pasture and habitat. They also denude also one of the world’s worst weeds, is native plants threatening rare fl ora species able to reduce infi ltration of sunlight and and communities. The reduction of ground limit gas exchange at the water surface, vegetation cover and burrows often making life diffi cult for submerged water contributes to increased erosion. plants and altering animal habitat. Feral and pet cats are a major predator of wildlife in both the bush and in metropolitan Melbourne. They are especially active at night. Cats’ saliva can carry a bacterium that will cause a blood protozoan disease known as ‘Toxoplasmosis’. The disease can affect wildlife, sheep and humans Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) infestations causing poor coordination, blindness, increase the rate of water loss, erratic movement and unnatural daytime because the plants use water faster activity. It is often fatal for infected than it normally evaporates. Masses wildlife. The endangered Eastern Barred of decaying salvinia de-oxygenate the Bandicoots are in danger not only through waters on which they are growing, direct predation by cats but from infection resulting in the death of fi sh and other with the disease. aquatic fauna. Found in aquariums and garden ponds. Condition As reported in Bulletin 7, Parks Victoria now uses a system of social surveys to estimate park visitation and provide Lobed Needle Grass (Nassella information on park use. Broad based charruana) is an extremely damaging community surveys were conducted weed due to its invasiveness, through News Poll’s national weekly competitiveness, unpalatability and very telephone survey from July 2004 to June sharp, clinging seeds that penetrate 2005. International visitors were also the fur and skin of livestock. The surveyed at the Melbourne International known distribution is currently limited to Airport while waiting to leave the country. infestations on the northern outskirts of Visitation was defi ned as the estimated Melbourne. number of visits made to parks in the ‘last four weeks’. Annual estimates were calculated by weighting this fi gure with population distributions. Photos supplied by Kate Blood - Department of Primary Industries In 2004-05 an estimated 119 million

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 47 open space

Box 1: Major parks in metropolitan Melbourne

Plenty Gorge Parklands and Craigieburn Grasslands in Melbourne’s north protect important remnant vegetation and habitats, much of which has disappeared from the Melbourne area. These parks also protect a large number of threatened species including some which are nationally endangered.

Yarra Valley Parklands and Warrandyte State Park in Melbourne’s north-east protect important remnants of riverine vegetation as well as ancient billabongs and a range of threatened flora and fauna.

Dandenong Ranges National Park in Melbourne’s east protects iconic Mountain Ash forests, habitat for the Superb Lyrebird, as well as grassy forests and threatened fauna, such as Powerful and Sooty Owls.

Dandenong Valley Parklands, Lysterfield Park, Churchill National Park and Braeside Park in Melbourne’s southeast protect some of the largest significant vegetation remnants.

Point Cook Park and Cheetham Wetlands in Melbourne’s west are particularly important for protection of migratory waders.

Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, in Melbourne’s south, is one of the State’s newest marine-protected areas and protects a range of marine life.

visits were made to parks and gardens in the Melbourne metropolitan area; 14 Table 1: Top 15 visitor activities-major metropolitan million visits (12%) were made to major parks in Melbourne metropolitan parks. The other 104 million visits (88%) were to smaller parks and gardens around Melbourne. Almost 1 Attending a special/major event/ Christmas 25.9% 93% of the visits to metropolitan parks party/birthday party and gardens for 2004-05 were made 2 Short walk (up to 1 hour) 25.9% by Melburnians, representing 32 visits 3 Picnicking or barbecue 25.8% per person. Across the state 43 million 4 Socialising with/meeting with friends and family 16.8% visits were made to protected area parks, and 32 million were made to other non- 5 Outdoor activity with or for children 14.3% metropolitan parks and gardens. In 2004- 6 Informal social sport 12.9% 05 the total number of visits for all Victorian 7 Meal or refreshment in a cafe or restaurant 11.8% parks was estimated to be 179 million, 8 Relaxing/resting 11.6% refl ecting the importance of open space to the community (see Figure 2). 9 Environment/atmosphere 8.9% 10 Sightseeing 7.1% Park Use 11 Cycling 6.7% Parks Victoria measures the reasons why 12 Supervising children’s play in play area 5.8% people visit Melbourne’s major parks by 13 Walking the dog 5.4% conducting annual surveys. Sixty to 100 14 Appreciating, watching or studying plants, birds 4.8% visitors were personally interviewed at each or animals of 50 sites in 34 parks across Victoria. The 15 Other 4.0% surveys were conducted in peak season; pre-Christmas for metropolitan parks and Notes • Only includes data for major urban parks in Melbourne post-Christmas for protected area parks. managed by Parks Victoria • Does not include information on federal or local Visitor activities undertaken in metropolitan government managed open space parks are shown in Table 1. • Adds to more than 100% as many people undertake more than one activity There is also a difference in park use between Melbourne’s inner and outer parks, Source: Based on data collected by Parks Victoria’s refl ecting their landscapes, accessibility and Visitor Satisfaction Monitor 2001-2004 visitor demographics. While short walks and

48 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 open space

sightseeing are popular in many outer urban parks, passive activities and socialising are Figure 2: Visits to Victorian Parks 2004-05 more popular in inner urban parks, possibly refl ecting their proximity to higher density  communities.  -AJOR-ETRO  Visitor Satisfaction With Parks  3MALLER-ETRO As part of the survey used to measure  0ROTECTED visitor use, Parks Victoria gathered statistics  on visitor satisfaction based on ratings of /THERNON-ETRO  services and facilities. Satisfaction with 4OTALVISITS 

the ecological values of parks was not -ILLIONSOFVISITS considered in these surveys. Visitors rated  a variety of services and facilities for their  quality on a scale from 1-6 (disagree–very  strongly agree). Whilst generally very -ETRO .ON 4OTAL satisfi ed with the services and facilities 0ARKS -ETRO 6ISITS of Melbourne metropolitan parks, visitors Source: Parks Victoria Visitor Number Monitor 2004-05 usually had higher expectations of the services than those provided.4 Pest Animals Urban Parks For major urban parks the overall Foxes satisfaction index was 59.3 (out of 100). Fox numbers in the urban and urban-fringe Satisfaction was nine less than the 2004 areas are higher than in country areas. In index of 68.3. Urban parks received the urban-fringe areas, the average density high visitor performance scores for well is 6 to 8 foxes per square kilometre, with maintained tracks and paths and large areas up to 14 per square kilometre in some of lawn that are green and regularly mown, urban environments. but received low performance scores for rangers providing supervision of visitor behaviour and information on the park. Rabbits The areas that attract the most suggestions Rabbits continue to be a serious pest in for improvement were picnic facilities with Victoria causing major environmental and chairs and tables (20.4%) and more shelters economic damage. Parks Victoria has 5 (18.4%). primary responsibility for managing rabbits in Victorian parks and private land. Local Urban Fringe Parks governments also have an important role For major urban fringe parks the to play through their close involvement satisfaction index was 67.6, three higher with local land management issues and than the 2003 index of 64.3. Urban fringe its statutory powers for land use delivered parks received high visitor performance through local planning schemes. scores for suffi cient and accessible toilets and adequate car parking, but low scores for suffi cient and accessible camp grounds and playground facilities. The most commonly suggested improvements in urban fringe parks were for better rubbish control measures (15%) and more shaded areas or shelters (13%).6

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 49 open space

Table 2: Wildlife killed by cats each year in Victoria

Type of cat Number of each Average number of kills Estimated wildlife cat in Victoria killed per year Pet cat 900,000 16 mammals, 8 birds, 8 reptiles per annum 29 million Feral cat 200,000 7 native bush rats or ten native birds per week 104 million Stray cat 300,000 5 wildlife per week 78 million Total 1,400,000 211 million

Source: Department of Primary Industries Victoria, Cats and Wildlife. Land for Wildlife note 25, August 1999.

Cats State Prohibited Weeds either do not Cats are signifi cant predators on small occur in Victoria but pose a signifi cant mammals up to their own body size. threat if they do invade, or are present The Department of Primary Industries and pose a serious threat that can be monitored a wildlife shelter in Melbourne eradicated. over 15 months and recorded 272 native Regionally Prohibited Weeds mammals with injuries from cat attacks; are not 242 of these were the Common Ringtail widely distributed in catchments but are Possum. Almost capable of spreading further. Land owners, all died as a result including public authorities responsible of the attacks. for Crown land management, must Table 2 shows the eradicate or control these weeds on their signifi cant number lands. Private landholders are responsible of pet cats in for control on private land but not on Victoria. Although roadsides. the pet cats’ diet Regionally Controlled Weeds of wild animals is are usually small compared widespread and considered important in to the feral cat, its a particular catchment. To prevent their large population spread, continuing control measures are signifi cantly required. affects the wildlife Restricted Weeds population. include plants that are a serious threat to primary production, Crown land, the environment, Pest Plants or community health in another state Declared noxious weeds in Victoria are or territory. Restricted weeds have plants that have been proclaimed under the the potential to spread into and within Catchment and Land Protection (CaLP) Act Victoria, and pose an unacceptable risk of 1994. These plants cause environmental, spreading in Victoria, or to other parts of social and economic harm or have the Australia, if they were to be sold or traded potential to cause harm. The Act defi nes in Victoria. these four categories of noxious weeds as:

50 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 open space

Response Box 2: Urban Biolinks

Pest Plants The Urban Biolinks program was established in 1999 to connect Parks provide habitat and refuge for many remnant patches of vegetation to larger core areas of habitat threatened species and communities and through revegetation and habitat enhancements in urban and Parks Victoria undertakes a variety of urban fringe parklands. Between 2000 and 2004, Parks Victoria programs to improve their viability. The Flora staff and teams of volunteers and contractors established more and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 lists the than 600,000 plants and re-established more than 200 hectares Rocky Chenopod Open Scrub Community of indigenous vegetation at Warrandyte State Park, Yarra Valley (see Box 4) as one of the environmental Parklands, Yarra Bend Park, Plenty Gorge, Lysterfi eld Park, Dandenong Valley Parklands and Cardinia Creek Parklands. sites that will benefi t from actions in the Werribee Gorge State Park and Long Forest Flora and Fauna Reserve. These and other native vegetation communities in the Port Phillip region benefi ted from Parks Victoria management programs in Woodlands Historic Park, Braeside Park, Plenty Gorge Parklands and Warrandyte State Park.

Victorian local governments are actively involved in weed management and education. The number of councils in Victoria that consider weed management a high priority has increased from 46% in 2002 to 57% in 2005, primarily in rural areas. In metropolitan Melbourne, 9 out of 23 councils developed weed management strategies in 2005, which is a 16% improvement based on the 2002 fi gures.7

Declared noxious - Each Catchment Management Authority recommends to the Water Hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes Minister for the Environment which plants see page 47 should be declared noxious weeds and the categories in which they should be placed. Box 3: Weed-Spotters State Prohibited Weed - The Victorian Government is responsible for their Weed Spotters are volunteers from all sections of the community eradication and may direct landowners to who have an interest in protecting Australia’s environmental and prevent their growth and spread. economic values from new species of weeds. Weed Spotters can look for weeds anywhere and are asked to keep an eye out for Regionally Prohibited Weeds - The new and emerging weeds in Victoria. They do not become involved Municipal Association of Victoria has with on-ground management of weeds, but they are asked to acknowledged confusion between collect a sample and send it with information about its location, government agencies over roadside to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Weed Alert Contact management of weeds. Interpretations Offi cer. Environmental staff from local government are particularly of the CaLP Act (Catchment and important to the Weed Spotters program as they have the capacity Land Protection Act, 1994) argue that to coordinate training and local events for community groups. local government has a much wider responsibility arising from expectations The DPI offers information sessions, live plant displays and from their local communities. There identifi cation kits. Contact Penny Gillespie, Weed Alert Contact is no legislation for councils’ roadside Offi cer, Port Phillip Catchment, Department of Primary Industries weed management activities, leading to Tel: (03) 9785 0111 Mob: 0400 136 066. uncertainty about the scope of the problem and availability of resources to respond.8

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 51 open space

Regionally Controlled Weeds - Figure 3: High Priority weeds targeted in weed Landowners have the responsibility to take management programs all reasonable steps to control and prevent the spread and growth of Regionally Serrated Tussock Controlled weeds on their land and most (Nassella trichotoma) roadside categories that adjoin their land.

When acting as an agent for VicRoads, local government has responsibilities for pest management on roadsides.9

In 2004/05 Parks Victoria carried out weed management programs across 76 parks Blackberry and reserves within the Port Phillip and (Rubus fruticosus aggregate) Westernport Catchment. The programs treated approximately 9,500 hectares and targeted 81 different weed species, including high priorities such those shown in Figure 3.

In addition, African Boxthorn, Angled Paterson’s Curse Onion, Bridal Creeper, English Ivy, Sallow (Echium plantagineum) Wattle and Sweet Pittosprum were subject to eradication programs within the region.

Programs in the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority in 2004-05 included actions to reduce the impact of weeds and Chilean Needle-grass (Nassella pest animals, habitat manipulation and neesiana) vegetation re-establishment. Species that benefi ted from these actions included:

• Hooded Plover • Eastern Barred Bandicoot • Brush-tailed Phascogale • Helmeted Honeyeater • Coast Correa Spear Thistle • Brittle green-hood (Cirsium vulgare) • Wine-lipped Spider orchid and • Adamson’s Blow grass. Pest Animals

Rabbits Ragwort Parks Victoria carried out rabbit (Senecio jacobaea) management programs in 15 parks and reserves within the Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment. The programs treated approximately 1,500 hectares. The Shire of Nillumbik is located on the northeastern edge of metropolitan Melbourne and has the Yarra River at its southern boundary. Much of the Shire

52 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 open space

Box 4: Rocky Chenopod Open Scrub Community

Rocky Chenopod Open Scrub is a low-lying forest of open canopy indigenous trees with a shrubby and sparse understorey usually dominated by Golden Wattles. The largest is found in the Long Forest adjacent to Djerriwarrah and Coimadai Creeks west of Melton. The community also occurs above the Plenty River at Janefi eld, Bundoora and Jackson’s Creek between Sunbury and Diggers Rest. Additional sites may support this community, including Goodman Creek near Bacchus Marsh along Little River in the Brisbane Ranges and Werribee River escarpment. A further possible site occurs at Yarra Bend, east of Melbourne.10 remains heavily vegetated and is privately Sustainability and Environment, produced owned. To ensure the long-term protection the Cat Management Manual. The manual of these natural assets the Shire has is updated regularly and is designed developed a series of standard planning to interpret the obligations and powers controls that ensure landowners protect of Councils under the Domestic (Feral the Shire’s natural assets. Protection and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994. The and enhancement of biodiversity is a key manual provides legal options for animal objective of the Council Plan and Municipal management staff to address all issues Strategic Statement. Through an extensive relating to the cat problem including cats community consultation process the Shire in public places and environmentally found that landowners needed assistance sensitive areas. to protect native species on their land. The Community Rabbit Control program is an example of several assistance packages Volunteers the Shire offers. There are around 15 community rabbit control groups in Volunteers provide an invaluable Nillumbik that receive a subsidy from the contribution to park management and Shire to carry out strategic rabbit control.11 protection of natural and cultural values in Victoria’s parks. In the Port Phillip and Foxes Westernport Catchment 162 volunteer groups, including 114 friends’ groups, Parks Victoria contributed over 62,000 volunteer hours in carried out fox 2004-05. They participated in revegetation management programs, weeding, bat monitoring, marine programs habitat monitoring, track maintenance and in 14 parks upkeep of heritage buildings and gardens. and reserves to benefi t vulnerable The UNESCO Biosphere native fauna species. The programs treated Reserve more than 19,000 hectares with the largest The Mornington Peninsula and Westernport programs occurring in the Brisbane Ranges, (MPWP) Biosphere Reserve is only one of Yarra Ranges and Dandenong Ranges national parks. four in Victoria with a resident population. The other three biosphere reserves are national parks. It is auspiced by the United Cats Nations’ Education, Scientifi c and Cultural The number of registered cats in Organisation, (UNESCO) and is part of Victoria is estimated to be 600,000 the worldwide network of 480 biosphere with many more fed by households reserves. but not registered12. In response to the expectation that cat populations require The Mornington Peninsula and Westernport management, the Department of Primary (MPWP) Biosphere is a physical space, the Industries together with the Cat Protection boundaries of which are shown in Figure Society, the RSPCA and the Flora and 4. The Shire of Mornington Peninsula Fauna branch of the Department of is entirely within the Biosphere and four

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 53 open space

other local government jurisdictions, Bass Figure 4: The orange line indicates the Biosphere boundary Coast, Cardinia, Casey and Frankston have land within the Biosphere. The MPWP Biosphere charter is a document required by UNESCO for inclusion in the global Biosphere network. The charter takes a stewardship approach to protection of biodiversity within the reserve. Declaring the area a biosphere reserve enables members to engage with local authorities from a catchment perspective. Reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with economic development through community participation and research, is central to the Biosphere vision.

The Biosphere foundation is a non- profi t company governed by a board with six community ‘roundtables’, one in each of French Island and each of the municipalities of Bass Coast, Cardinia, Source: The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Project Casey, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula. The community ‘roundtables’ are groups of foundation members who meet to plan, discuss and network within and about the Biosphere. The purpose of these meetings is to contribute to the needs of society by fostering partnerships, providing education opportunities and emphasising the importance of biodiversity. For further information on UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere program visit www.unesco.org/mab/Brs.shtml Box 5: Recreational events provided by Parks Victoria Community Gardens The world’s greatest pram stroll On 2nd October 2004, some 1,600 mums and dads strolled with Community gardens are usually created 600 babies around Albert Park Lake. The event is conducted at with assistance from local government. other venues across the state. They often start out as vacant land, which, through community involvement, is The Bike Path Discovery Day improved for the benefi t of the municipality. Bicycle Victoria, on behalf of Parks Victoria, coordinated this Community gardening is a social activity event on 20 March 2005, to increase awareness and usage involving shared decision-making and of Melbourne’s off-road trails and parks. Staff from both negotiation. People come together with a organisations provided park and trail information to approximately common purpose to meet and enjoy the 1,500 cyclists who rode one of six designated metropolitan trails fruits of their work. Local authorities are to Federation Square. active supporters of community gardens as they demonstrate environmental and social Lysterfi eld Lake Park - Mountain Biking Opportunities health policy. A 6.5 kilometre elite mountain bike competition course was constructed for the 2005 Commonwealth Games at Lysterfi eld In Melbourne’s north, Darebin City Council Lake Park. The course represents one component of a major has developed a model community garden upgrade to the park and Parks Victoria is continuing to work with which focuses on “upstream” public health Mountain Bike Association of Victoria volunteers to rationalise and interventions. “Food security” is a priority improve the recreational mountain biking trail network. of Darebin’s Municipal Public Health Plan. Food security means that everyone in

54 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 open space

the community has access to fresh fruit, vegetables and meats. Darebin’s upstream Case Study: Albert Park Community Garden public health interventions facilitate effective community structures so that people have access to nutritional food sources.

Darebin City Council (in partnership with neighbouring Banyule City Council) established the Good Food Alliance to encourage and coordinate initiatives to improve food security for all residents. One of the strategies of the Good Food Alliance is to increase food production locally through facilitating a community gardens network.

Community gardens take many shapes and Darebin is lucky to have a range of approaches:

• Northcote Community Garden, Interact Gardens and Bundoora Park offer individual plots to local residents to grow their own vegetables. These gardens encourage organic growing, recycling and effi cient water use.

• Sprout Community Garden offers The Garden of Eden in Albert Park day program activities, particularly for young men with mental illness, to The heritage-listed Albert Park Railway Station is the home of participate in community life through the Albert Park permaculture oasis, known as the Garden of gardening and landscape design, and Eden. The local community has an opportunity to learn about to learn more about healthy eating permaculture, organic gardening, water conservation, seed saving through gardening. and propagation, vegetarian food preparation, food security, ethical business practices and community garden management. • Darebin Community Health Men’s The Garden of Eden also provides advice on how to start and Shed Garden and the Preston and build a community garden from the first idea to a cultivated Reservoir Adult Community Education community activity. www.gardenofedenproject.net.au (PRACE) Garden offer volunteer opportunities for local residents to be involved in gardening activities and assist those without access to fresh and cheap vegetables and fruit.

• Primary School Gardens have established a number of gardens to teach students about food sources, environmental gardening and healthy eating.

• Public housing community gardens have been created to enhance the life and environment for public housing high-rise tenants and to encourage sustainable gardening and healthy eating.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 55 open space

Banyule’s Strategy On Weeds Case Study: A freshly turned plot at the Ringwood Community Garden. Banyule City Council has adopted a Weed Management Strategy which aims to cut costs and improve the effi ciency of weed management by setting priorities and better coordinating the efforts of Council, land management authorities and private landowners.

Weeds are a serious problem in Banyule, as is the case in all municipalities in the metropolitan area. They displace indigenous plants, many of which are rare and threatened, and result in loss of food and habitat for native wildlife. They also contribute signifi cantly to land and water degradation and biodiversity loss. Councils are required under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 to control weeds on their land and they expend considerable effort and funds in this area.

A consulting fi rm was engaged to develop The Ringwood Community Garden the weed management strategy to guide future weed control initiatives in the The Ringwood Community Garden was established after a public municipality. The draft strategy was reviewed meeting on March 11th, 1980. The (then) Ringwood Council by an internal steering committee and negotiated to lease four acres of land from the (then) Country comments were sought from the community Roads Board. By October 1981 the Ringwood Community and incorporated into the fi nal document. Garden Cooperative established 82 plots and continued to flourish with an average annual membership of 60 people. After The fi rst section of the Weed Management more than 20 years the cooperative moved from its home on Strategy reviews the relevant national, the Eastlink easement to make way for road works in 2003. The state and local policies that guide weed Ringwood Community Garden has developed 100 (10m x 3m) management. Weed control responsibilities plots with access to water and a greenhouse at its new site in are identifi ed and discussed according to Selkirk Avenue, Wantirna. land types (i.e. rail reserves, waterways, roads, private and public land) and weed The cooperative received financial support from Maroondah City status as defi ned by legislation and policy. Council and the Federal Government’s Regional Partnership The second section documents the weed Program to develop the site to its current role as a major problem within Banyule. Weed control issues recreation facility in Maroondah. In 2005-06 the Maroondah City are discussed and weeds are given a priority Council continued to support the community garden by providing rating for control. An expanded list of weeds funds for new equipment via the Council’s community grant is provided containing 56 more weeds scheme. www.ringwoodcommunitygarden.org.au than the previous “Environmental Weeds of Banyule” list. Banyule’s Planning Scheme has been amended to include these extra weeds.

Banyule Council spends over $200,000 each year on weed control. Work has started on implementing the actions proposed in the strategy and Council hopes to save money over the long term through better coordination and planning of weed control efforts.

56 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 waste 4 Pressure

All ecosystems create waste products. In sustainable ecosystems waste is avoided, or reprocessed, recycled and reused so that waste does not accumulate. If this does not occur, accumulating waste can cause pollution of land, air and water. In developed countries, the large amount of waste we generate is a refl ection of our unsustainable use of resources. Many of the resources we consume in large quantities are non-renewable such as fossil fuels, minerals and metals. Many renewable resources, such as timber, we consume at rates higher than we replace.

Greater Melbourne is now short of places to bury waste and many communities don’t want waste products treated, buried or reprocessed in their area, especially if the waste is hazardous. For this reason, and to address the broader environmental issues, Victorian State and local governments, their agencies, commercial organisations and community groups agree the best solution is to create less waste.

Melbourne’s population is expected to Recycling depends on human behaviour expand to nearly fi ve million by 20301. Conspicuous over-consumption by increasing numbers of people is driving up the total volume and associated environmental impact of waste material. The collective and insatiable desire to procure material goods was described by Clive Hamilton of The Australia Institute in his book titled ‘Affl uenza’ after the psychotherapist Jessie H. O’Neill provided a clinical defi nition for the affl iction. Hamilton notes that, “All market based reforms in the last two decades have been predicated on the belief that the best way to advance Australia’s interests is to maximise the growth of income and consumption.” His book describes the social and environmental costs of these economic policies. The Envirometer Although recycling is increasing and waste generation has Many hazardous and common waste stabilised, greater efforts are substances in landfi ll sites can leach needed to reduce waste.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 57 waste

Figures 1 & 2: Solid waste to landfi ll in Victoria-(million tonnes)

12 3.5 Figure 1 Figure 2

10 3

2.5 8

2 6 Tonnes Tonnes 1.5 4 1

2 0.5

0 0

1993-941994-951995-961996-971997-981998-991999-002000-012001-022002-032003-042004-05 1993-941994-951995-961996-971997-981998-991999-002000-012001-022002-032003-042004-05 Recycled material Total landfill Total tonnes in Waste stream Municipal Solid waste only Industrial Solid waste only

Source: Figures for recycled material from Sustainability Victoria’s Annual survey of Victorian Recycling Industries 2004-05 and Local government Data Collection publications. Total landfi ll sourced from EPA Victorian landfi ll levy returns.

into the water table and contaminate These fi gures show the emergence of an groundwater. In response, legislation and effi cient and growing recycling sector. It regulation for landfi ll sites have become also indicates that consumption of material more stringent, raising the cost of landfi ll. goods has nearly doubled in the 12 years The pressure is now on human settlement since 1993-94. The challenge continues in greater Melbourne to reduce the volume to be the reduction of material entering of waste by effi ciently managing our the waste stream, which ultimately means resources. Mining the waste stream is reducing consumption. an example of reducing waste to landfi ll by recovering material for re-use. When Municipal Waste Collection organic material is separated from the waste stream it can be processed into Table1 illustrates that in all municipalities valuable products such as compost waste production has increased by an

and methane (CH4), a bi-product of average of 107 kilograms per household decomposed organic material which can over fi ve years from 2000-01 to 2004- be used to generate electricity. 05. The table shows combined recycled and garbage waste streams but does not include green waste. Most municipalities Condition have shown encouraging declines in waste production in 2004/05 compared to 2003/ Waste In Victoria 04, although 2000/01, the majority are increasing consumption leading to more In Victoria, there has been a steady rise in material in the waste stream. the volume of material in the waste stream, growing from 5.4 million tonnes in 1993-94 Figure 3 shows that in 2004/05 garbage to 9.9 million tonnes in 2004-05 (Figure 1). collected from Melbourne metropolitan During this period recycling rates improved households and sent to landfi ll was twice four fold whilst municipal and industrial solid the amount of waste being recycled. In that waste remained relatively stable (Figure 2). year the Victorian average for garbage to

58 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 waste

Table 1: Garbage and recycling collection 2000 to 2005-kgs per household by local government

Responsible 2000/ 2001/ 2004/ Trend compared Trend compared 2002/03** 2003/04* Authority 01 02** 05* 03/04 00/01 Banyule 471.6 815.5 769.2 656 675.9 Bayside 639.2 1140.8 1059.8 805 803.6 Boroondara 697.1 963.9 1047.3 901.9 905.2 Brimbank 765.8 971.2 932.7 1059.1 935.8 Cardinia 501 812.5 796.9 903.4 942.2 Casey 626.2 1308.2 864.4 757.5 765.5 Darebin 558.2 804.6 791 702.9 619.5 Frankston 439.6 611.8* 730 694.7 707.8 Glen Eira 835.4 1243.8 847.8 923 931.3 Greater Dandenong 709.7 1210.2 938.7 850.2 804.8 Hobsons Bay 625.3 765.9 743.2 720.3 740.0 Hume 901.4 1034.4 974.7 1016.5 916.2 Kingston 730.4 943.9 909.6 730.9 757.2 Knox 719.7 1161.6 1043.2 776.5 763.7 Manningham 603.6 1193.7 1152 827.3 834.8 Maribyrnong 790.2 869.2 877.9 831.1 796.0 Maroondah 609 1004.9 979 743.6 792.8 Melbourne 576.1 618.2 624.6 676.6 588.2 Data not Data not Melton 612.2 880.3 available available 791.1 N/A Monash 978.3 1054.1 1070.4 752.3 694.2 Moonee Valley 1088.5 940 914.2 838.0 865.2 Moreland 541.3 743.7 775.9 695 883.7 Mornington Peninsula n/a 782.5 711.4 625.8 462.7 N/A Nillumbik 485.9 838.9 1022.8 489.5 527.5 Port Phillip 647.1 584.4 580 609 576.5 Stonnington 501.6 695.8 659 651.1 701.8 Whitehorse 698.3 803 781 758.5 795.9 Whittlesea 623.7 958.7 883.9 841.1 939.1 Wyndham 551.5 857 n/a 754.4 913.4 Yarra 662 504.9 636.3 648.5 713.2 Yarra Ranges 716.4 738.6 614.5 671.6 768.7

Previously published in Bulletin 7 with 03-04 and 04-05 fi gures added. Source: Sustainability Victoria’s Local Government Data Collection Survey 2000 - 2005. *Figures do not include green organics. **Figures include green organics.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 59 waste

landfi ll was 9.6 kilograms per week or 500 kilograms per annum, 40 kilograms less Figure 3: Recycled and garbage household waste in than the year before. 2 This means that, on Metro Melbourne 2004/05 average, Victorian households are reducing the quantity of garbage normally destined for landfi ll. At the same time household 30000 recycling has steadily increased from 192 kilograms in 2000-01 to 222 kilograms in 2003-04.3 25000

The decrease in garbage going to landfi ll 20000 and the increase in recycling rates suggests that households are successfully Tonnes 15000 changing their behaviour and recycling more material. Considering the proportion of garbage to recyclable material, there 10000 continues to be a great deal of potential ready to be extracted from the waste 5000 management system in Melbourne. This potential depends on the development of 0 technologies to reprocess or recycle waste, Recyclable Garbage Combined and markets for their end use.

On average, each Victorian generates Source: Sustainability Victoria. Local Government Data Collection survey-2004-05 nearly 2 tonnes of waste every year.4 Garden and food waste make up 50% of household solid waste of which only 20% is recovered. Compared to the construction, demolition and commercial sectors that Figure 4: Recycling rates by sector 2002/03 recover well over half their solid waste, households only recover 35% (see Figure  4).5 Local governments can help reduce waste to landfi ll by continuing to promote ,ANDFILL 2ECYCLE  waste minimisation and recycling, as well as encouraging home composting and  sustainable gardening practices. 

Increasingly, large engineering solutions are  being pursued that mechanically recover organic material for reprocessing into  fertiliser. In the future, household garbage   may be sorted automatically to extract -ILLION4ONNES  useful resources.  Table 2 shows the improving trend for recycling in the municipal, commercial-  industrial and construction-demolition sectors in Victoria from 1993 to 2004-05.  Municipalities contributed 13% of the total material received for reprocessing. As  published in Bulletin 7, the construction and demolition sector continues to  dominate recycled material by weight at -UNICIPAL #OMMERCE #ONSTRUCTION 58% of the total. Commerce and industry INDUSTRY $EMOLITION make up 24% with the remaining difference either unknown or received from interstate. Source: Sustainability in Action - Towards Zero Waste Strategy

60 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 waste

Table 2: Material diverted from Victorian landfi ll from the commercial-industrial, construction- demolition and municipal sectors for reprocessing from 1993 to 2004/ 05. ‘000 tonnes.

Material 1993 1994 1995 1996 97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 Concrete, brick asphalt 300 495 696 879 1105 1568 871 1272 1715 1852 2618 2492 Metals 492 592 635 795 579 546 768 813 741 971 1032 1157 Organic, timber, food, 95 521 627 706 552 455 510 675 644 529 374 618 garden, sawdust Paper products 340 320 482 553 521 408 663 662 746 818 851 937 Glass 123 122 126 124 168 131 114 114 85 86 103 Plastics 36 42 43 44 53 10 35 83 92 69 96 95 Textiles rubber - other 20 20 29 45 44 87 196 59 71 105 15 26 Total Tonnes –‘000 1283 2113 2634 3148 2978 3242 3174 3679 4123 4429 5072 5427

Source: Annual Survey of Victorian Recycling Industries, 2004-05 Sustainability Victoria

Signifi cant improvements have been achieved in several material types. Since 1993 the quantity of organic matter collected has increased by over 600%. Garden organics now account for 51% of all organic material. Timber is the other signifi cant growth area accounting for 37% of the organic material. Glass, metals and paper products have also increased, refl ecting continuing demand for recycled products.

Sustainability Victoria continually updates data of recycled material and some of the fi gures may be slightly different from the same table published in Bulletin 7.

Litter

Littering is the result of anti-social human behaviour. In general, people are more of Port Phillip Bay (during summer) by inclined to place rubbish if they perceive observing beach cleaning operations, the public area they are occupying is collecting, cataloguing and weighing well cared for and clean. When people material. Litter arrives on beaches via feel a sense of belonging and safety they are more likely to comply with disposal stormwater outlets and human activity on facilities.6 beaches. The EPA’s Full Scale Survey removes, counts and weighs all litter and The Victorian Litter Report 2005 found the measures the re-accumulation of litter most commonly littered item (after chewing between surveys. The Visible Litter Survey gum) was cigarette butts, and these are monitors but does not remove litter. This likely to be found at beaches, waterfronts, method is used to assess the rate at which markets and transport sites.7 litter re-accumulates after beach cleaning machinery has combed the sand. One of Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) the reasons smaller litter items such as conducts litter surveys on the beaches cigarette butts are over-represented may

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 61 waste

be related to the failure of these machines Figure 5: Top 10 most littered products at 12 Port Phillip to capture small items.8 The Visual Ratings bay beaches in the visible survey - 1999 to 2005 Survey provides a rating according to the scarcity or abundance of litter on a section of beach. Litter is recorded in 10 categories of commonly littered consumer items and 320 packaging material. Cigarette butts have 300 280 been identifi ed as the most littered item 260 on metropolitan beaches by the three EPA 240 survey methods and Clean Up Australia, 220 who have been monitoring beach litter 200 since 1999 and 1990 respectively. 180 160 140 The visual rating survey found cigarette butts 120 were the most abundant item found on all of 100 9 Avg no. of items the metropolitan beaches (see Figure 5). 80 60 40 Cigarette smokers are posed with the 20 problem of safe, clean disposal. While 0 responsible smokers dispose of cigarette 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 butts in ashtrays, or carry their own portable SURVEY PERIOD ashtray such as a fi lm canister with a Cigarette butts Other paper Other glass little sand inside, many don’t. In the large Other plastic Bottle/can tops - metal Ice cream sticks quantities found on Melbourne’s beaches Bottle/can tops - plastic Lollipop sticks All other items the plastic-like material that cigarettes Straws Matches are made of (cellulose acetate) and the chemicals they are designed to collect, can Source: Port Phillip Bay Beach Litter Survey 2004-05–EPA Victoria accumulate and cause as many problems in ecosystems as they do in human respiratory systems. Cigarette fi lters have been found in the stomachs of marine creatures and often contain hazardous chemicals such as arsenic, cadmium and lead.11

Response

The Victorian State Government’s targets for each of the waste streams aim to: • reduce the amount of solid waste being produced; • increase reprocessing of solid waste into useful products; • reduce harm to the environment by controlling the remainder of the waste stream; and • improve littering behaviour.

The environmental impact of waste is legislated under the Environment Protection Act 1970 which gives powers to the EPA to create subordinate legislation for management of all categories of waste in Victoria. Waste is categorised as municipal, commercial- industrial and prescribed (hazardous). Collection of residential garbage and

62 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 waste

recycling is the responsibility of local governments. Commercial-industrial and Table 3: Victorian government actions to reduce solid waste prescribed (hazardous) waste streams are controlled under the subordinate legislation Action Description Budget of the Environment Protection Act 1970, and are the responsibility of the business Banning plastic Legislation – Large retailers banned from providing entities that generate the waste stream. bags lightweight plastic bags by 2009. Other retailers banned It is in the interests of commerce and unless: industry to recycle as much of their waste • there is a minimum charge of 10 cents per bag as possible since the levy applied to landfi ll • it is small retail store is an expensive option. The landfi ll levy • exemption applies due to health or safety reasons was developed to provide an incentive for • a phase out plan is approved by the EPA industry to reduce the amount of waste Take back and • $2 million for 6 – 8 permanant Detox your Home $4m generated by their business. recycle centres facilities at transfer stations • $2 million for a computer recycling centre at The Victorian Government through its Boroondara ‘Towards Zero Waste Strategy’, has set targets to reduce the amount of solid waste. Sustainable Integrated Product Stewardship Framework-taskforce for This includes litter generated by Victorians production and community and industry to improve product design and and the amount of solid waste recovered for consumption recovery reprocessing. The targets have been further National Extending recycling into business, major events and developed for the municipal and business packaging shopping centres – possibly packaging take – back sectors. The targets are: covenant systems for some industry sectors

• 1.5 million tonne (12%) reduction of Hazardous Raising landfi ll levies from $30 to $130 tonne – proceeds solid waste forecast for 2014. The waste to go back into industry initiatives forecast is the quantity that would New litter Strategy for 2008 a 25% improvement in littering behaviour $100k accumulate if nothing were done to strategy in Victoria by 2014 reduce waste up to the year 2014. Support small Incentive – support grants for businesses that create $2.5 mill • 75% of the solid waste to be recovered business hazardous waste for reuse, recycling and energy generation, by 2014. The Government Life cycle Support from EPA for companies to reduce hazardous $9 mill expects to prevent 16 million tonnes analysis and other waste – a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Australian Industry Group, Plastic and of greenhouse gas being released Chemicals Industry Association to the atmosphere by the controlled processing of organic material and Environment To be developed under the Australian Industry Group (AIG) reduction of putrid waste going to code of practice covenant with the EPA – moving beyond compliance landfi ll by 2014. Trade waste A partnership between the water industry and their trade $4 mill waste customers to establish independent trade waste • 25% improvement in littering behaviours by 2014. standards appropriate for each metropolitan water authority Detergents Improving information on product labels. Working toward • 65% recovery rate of municipal solid minimum standards for salt in detergents waste for reuse, recycling or energy generation by 2014. An interim target Metropolitan New generation waste processing – decision making group of 45% is established for 2008-09. In waste between 30 councils 2004-05 the recovery rate was 38%, an management increase of 4.2% over the previous year. group

• 80% recovery of commercial- Source: Our Environment Our Future-Sustainability Action Statement 2006- industrial solid waste for reuse, Victorian Government-Department of Sustainability and Environment recycling or energy generation by 2014. An interim target of 65% is established for 2008-09. In 2002-03 the recovery rate was 59%.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 63 waste

Figure 6: Expenditure on green products by ECO-buy members

$90

$80

$70

$60

$50 Millions

$40

$30

$20

$10

$0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Recycled Greenhouse Other Green Reused Greenpower Total

Source: ECO-Buy Report Cavort #5

• A recovery rate of 80% of launched its new business program in construction-demolition solid November 2005 with Toyota Australia as waste for reuse, recycling or energy the Foundation Member. Membership of generation by 2014. An interim target the ECO-Buy local government program of 65% is established for 2008-09. In and support for green procurement 2002-03 the recovery rate was 57%. continues to increase (Figure 6). ECO-Buy members recorded over $80 million spent The Victorian Government’s targets for on green products in 2005. Examples of solid waste reduction and recovery are an products purchased by local governments aspect of their framework for environmental include recycled compost and mulch, sustainability. Towards Zero Waste is the indoor and outdoor furniture with title of the document which covers all recycled content, recycled concrete and aspects of solid waste management in other building materials, energy effi cient Victoria. Table 3 gives a list of the State appliances and Green Power (accredited Government’s actions to help Victorians renewable electricity). achieve the solid waste targets. Product Stewardship ECO-Buy Waste only becomes waste when the A key to conserving resources and owner of the material no longer appreciates reducing waste to landfi ll is ensuring the value of the product. For example, recycled and environmentally preferable the polystyrene (or occasionally corn products are purchased by consumers. starch) packaging material delivered with This is commonly referred to as ‘closing the your electronic equipment helps ensure loop’ on recycling. ECO-Buy is a program both you and the retailer receive the for local government and business that product without damage. As the product promotes and facilitates the purchase of is delivered safely the material is no longer recycled and green products. ECO-Buy useful to you, and is unavailable for re-

64 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 waste

use by the manufacturer. Who owns the packaging material and who is responsible Case Study: Keeping the Yarra clean after it has served its purpose?

Product Stewardship is the term provided for management of waste products along the supply chain. A defi nition by the Environment Protection and Heritage Commission helps explain:

An approach which recognises shared responsibility for the environmental impacts of a product throughout its full life cycle, including end-of-life management, and seeks to reduce adverse impacts and internalise unavoidable costs within the product price, through action at the point(s) in the supply chain where this can be most effectively and effi ciently achieved.12

One way to achieve Product Stewardship is to seek voluntary agreements with all There was a time when Melbourne turned its back on the Yarra River; parties on the supply chain; from delivery of a time when the waterway was nothing but a glorified drain into raw materials for manufacture, to disposal which the effluent of countless noxious industries would pour. of the fi nal product. Another way is to The turning point came in the ‘70s’ when a campaign to save the legislate for manufacturing companies Yarra challenged Melburnians to imagine the river, not as a sewer, to take back their goods when they are but as a valued waterway in much the same way as the Parisians felt no longer useful to the consumer. Some about the Seine or Londoners about the Thames. companies have taken an innovative Today, the banks of the river are lined with exclusive apartments, lead in Product Stewardship by taking marinas and entertainment districts. Yet the carelessness of some responsibility for ancillary products such as people continues to threaten the health of this high profile river which ink cartridges and packing material after was on international display during the recent 2006 Commonwealth the consumer has extracted their value. Games. Whenever a plastic bag is left at a riverside picnic, a fast food The ‘Byteback’ computer recycling scheme wrapper thrown out of a car, or a soft-drink can is tossed in the is a partnership between Sustainability gutter, they inevitably find their way into Melbourne’s rivers. Garden Victoria, the City of Boroondara, Hewlett debris, old fence posts, bottles and plastic bags, countless balls, handbags and dead animals often end up in the Yarra. Packard, K&S Environmental and Sims Recycling. Byteback is a permanent take- Parks Victoria, which manages the recreational use of the river, has back service for consumers of domestic installed 11 litter traps along the Yarra River and another three along the Maribyrnong River. These traps are designed to collect much of computer equipment. It is estimated that the litter that ends up in these rivers. 500,000 computers are obsolete each year in Victoria. The Boroondara Byteback was Litter is removed from these traps by a new, $412,000, state-of-the-art launched in June 2005 and in 2005-06 river barge that was built in Melbourne for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The barge can remove up to 2,000 cubic metres of rubbish collected a total of 195 tonnes.13 Almost every year from the 14 litter traps along the Yarra and Maribyrnong all of the material found in computer rivers. It is more manoeuvrable, faster, has a larger capacity and is equipment can be reprocessed into new more effective in cleaning the river than its predecessor. products. Recovering these materials At its launch, the Minister for Commonwealth Games, Justin prevents toxic substances, in particular Madden, said the barge would be one of the on-going legacies of lead, which is found in glass monitors, Victoria hosting the Games, providing litter removal services well leaching into the environment. beyond 2006.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 65 waste

Case Study: Resource extraction from the streets of Melbourne

A mining company uses screening, sorting and biological processing technology to produce fertiliser and energy from household garbage. Global Renewables Ltd (GRL) extract the potentially useful resources from the metropolitan solid waste streams in Sydney. Known as the UR-3R (urban resource-reduction, recovery and recycling) facility, GRL separate plastics, glass and metals from hazardous and organic materials for recycling. Organic material is sent through an improvement process that produces methane as a bi-product and uses it to generate more electrical energy than the facility requires for its operations. The improved organic material is screened again and fully enclosed to allow a highly controlled composting process to transform the material into an Organic Growth Medium (OGM) certified for agricultural and soil conditioning applications. The OGM, otherwise known as soil, is a safe, reliable product free from pathogens and created entirely from household and garden waste. The UR-3R facility at Eastern Creek in Sydney has sold 1.5 million Emission Reduction Units to Australian companies through GRL’s subsidiary, Global Carbon. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a sustainable business for GRL. It is anticipated that a similar plant will be installed in Melbourne’s west. The facility must compete with the relatively cheap option to bury waste, however, whatever solution is chosen, it must meet the Victorian Government’s waste management and greenhouse gas emission targets.

The UR-3R resource extraction process

Source: Global Renewables-www.globalrenewables.com.au

66 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 waste

Case Study: Yarra litter blitz Case Study: City of Franston says ‘No’ to plastic bags

Police and coucil offi cers

The City of Yarra conducted a Litter Blitz before and after the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The blitz was conducted in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, the EPA and the Victoria Police. Each blitz was conducted along the major shopping strips within the City of Yarra and involved two weeks of promotion, two weeks of education Norman Avenue traders with Cr. Judy Wachendorfer and Council and two weeks of enforcement. Keep offi cers at the launch Australia Beautiful Victoria conducted On 1 September 2006, Councillor Judy Wachendorfer launched behavioural studies before and after each Frankston City’s second campaign to reduce plastic bag use at litter blitz as part of the evaluation of the Frankston South’s Norman Avenue shopping precinct. She said the program. The program tied in with a campaign, supported by Sustainability Victoria, was a fantastic step state-wide program ‘Let’s Start Training forward for the environment and in making everyday lives of residents for the Games’ and the follow-up ‘Let’s more sustainable. Keep Up the Good Work’ campaigns. Australians use around 13 million plastic bags each day. Although used The program was based on information for a few minutes – longer if reused as bin liners – they can take up to obtained from the Victorian Litter 1000 years to break down. “By encouraging shopping with reusable Action Alliance which advocates a bags, we can help deliver a healthy environment to future generations,” mix of approaches across education, Cr Wachendorfer added. enforcement, infrastructure and In April 2005, neighbouring Foot Street became the fi rst precinct in the communications. The enforcement southeast Melbourne region to become plastic bag free, according to the phase of the program involved a team South Eastern Regional Waste Management Group. All but one of the consisting of an EPA offi cer, a council traders have maintained their plastic bag free status, most now sourcing offi cer and two police offi cers patrolling their own reusable bags for customers to be given free, or at cost. the targeted areas. In recognition of its approach to litter prevention, the City Norman Avenue traders were keen to build on this legacy and eliminate of Yarra received a Silver award from 160,000 plastic bags they supply each year. To assist with the transition Sustainability Victoria’s Public Relations to plastic bag-free shopping, they gave away 1000 reusable bags Liter Campaign Gold Medal Awards. to customers. Frankston City Council’s Environment Department received the bags as part of grant from Sustainability Victoria, along with The Litter Blitz approach has enabled campaign materials and $1000 to help its promotion. another litter prevention project to concentrate on educating primarily A rewards card promotion has been introduced to encourage shoppers Vietnamese traders along Victoria to bring reusable bags. Over three months, customers have their cards Street, Richmond. The partnership stamped each time they bring a reusable bag when they make purchases with the Victorian EPA and Melbourne in a Norman Avenue shop and after 20 stamps, enter a monthly prize Water will address ways to overcome draw. The fi rst draw took place on 7 October, with a free barbecue language and cultural differences. organised by Paul Norton, proprietor of PNT Gourmet Meats.

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 67 what you can do…. what you can do… 5

To reduce your use of electricity • When buying a new washing machine, buy one • Call up your energy provider and switch your plan with a water and energy effi ciency star rating. to one that uses accredited renewable energy. • Shower with a friend but not every day. www.greenpower.gov.au • Use mulch on your garden to help trap water in • Switch off appliances when you don’t need them- the ground and reduce water evaporation. don’t leave them on standby. • Install a rain water tank and connect to toilet and • Fix broken seals on fridges and freezers. By fi xing laundry. the seals the appliance does not need to work so • Check with your water retailer for rebates hard to keep its contents cold. on water saving products, including taps. • Turn off your second fridge and use it only when www.ourwater.vic.gov.au needed. • Choose indigenous and drought-tolerant plants. • Switch your light globes to compact fl ourescent • Consider using the local pool and spa instead of globes. installing or maintaning your own. • Advoid or convert halogen downlights. • Use your laundry water on the garden (use low • Use cold water instead of hot when you wash phosphate and low salt detergents). clothes with a cold-water detergent and dry • Set heating thermostat to 18ºC - 20ºC. clothes in the sun, not the electric dryer. • When you use your heater, close internal doors Shopping and windows. • Buy only what you need and re-use where • Seal the bottom of external doors and all gaps to possible. prevent heat loss or heat gain. • Buy locally produced products that have not • Close the blinds or curtains to reduce heat travelled thousands of kilometres. transfer and save on energy costs. • Buy organic. Organic food can be home • Design your new home or renovation using the delivered now. Check out the website principles of passive solar heating and cooling. www.thegreenline.com.au • If you are going to be away from home for a week • Grow your own vegetables or join a community or more, turn your hot water system off or to its garden. vacation setting. www.communitygarden.org.au • When you need a new hot water service consider www.urbanag.org.au a solar system. Boosted solar water heaters www.permaculture.org.au are ideal for Melbourne, last twice as long as a • Use biodegradable detergents and soaps. standard unit and reduce greenhouse gas. Check • Refuse excess packaging. out the website www.greenmakeover.com.au • Buy second hand products that last. • Avoid electric heating or transfer to gas. • Use the Green Directory or the Green Pages to • Dress appropriately prior to heating and cooling. help you buy ethical green products www.thegreendirectory.com.au To conserve water www.greenpagesaustralia.com.au • Use a AAA-rated (or 3 Star) shower head or fi t • Check out some new eco-gadgets at a fl ow-restrictor to your existing shower. These www.treehugger.com shower heads use as little as 7 litres a minute • Recycle your electronic items when you are compared to 20 litres from an ordinary shower fi nished with them. There are organisations which head. will recycle your old computer, mobile phone, • Wait till you have a full load before using your printer, microwave, TV, fridge, photocopier. See dishwasher or washing machine. page 61 in the Waste section for the Byteback • Fix dripping taps. scheme.

68 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 what you can do….

• Keep three bins in your kitchen. One for scraps Passive housing and sustainable houses that will go into your compost bin, a second for www.passivhaustagung.de/Passive_House_E/ recyclable materials like paper/plastic/cans and a passivehouse third for everything else that will go to landfi ll. www.sunpowerdesign.com.au • Set up a Green Purchasing team and introduce a Sustainable schools initiative www.deh.gov.au/ paper recycling system in your offi ce. education/sustainable-schools • Pack your lunch in reusable containers. Organic farming and organic food • When you go shopping, use woven bags that last www.organicchoice.com.au for years instead of throwaway plastic or paper Read about how Cuba survived its peak oil crisis by bags. powering down. www.beyondpeak.com/cuba-beyondpeak Transport Natural methods of carbon sequestration • Ride, walk or skate to work. www.worldchanging.com/archives/004815.html • Use public transport. World Wildlife Organisation • Organise a walking school bus for your kids. www.worldwildlife.org • Encourage your local government to add more Greenhouse Network bike paths, more bike dedicated lanes and more www.greenhousenet.org bike-parking facilities in your city. Environmental Defense • Establish car pooling with work colleagues or www.environmentaldefense.org your neighbours. David Suzuki Foundation • If buying a vehicle purchase an energy effi cient www.davidsuzuki.org vehicle, for example a hybrid. Earth Island Institute • Keep your vehicle in good working order and www.earthisland.org check tyre pressure regurlarly. The Pachamama Alliance www.pachamama.org The Climate Outreach and Information Network Get informed www.coinet.org.uk/ The Union of Concerned Scientists Gaia Vic (Aus) www.ucsusa.org www.gaiavic.org www.globalpublicmedia.com Sustainable Living Foundation (Aus) www.communitysolution.org www.slf.org.au Al Gore’s site www.climatecrisis.net Genetically modifi ed food and our oil intensive food system www.thefutureoffood.com/involved.htm Stuart Mc Quires website www.greenmakeover.com.au/ Information on the 6th mass extinction, the 5th was the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. www.well.com/user/davidu/extinction.html Geodynamics-energy from hot rocks www.geodynamics.com.au/ Permaculture www.permaculture.org.au www.eatthesuburbs.org Aquaponics, vermiculture, rooftop water harvesting, and solar-powered air moisture harvesting www.aquaponics.com.au www.rainharvesting.com.au

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 69 references

Air Water

1 Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Victoria- 1 Victorian Government–Department of Sustainability and March 2006-Commuter Transport. Mode effi ciency, Environment-Our Water Our Future-Sustainable Water mode choice and environmental impact in Victoria Strategy Central region draft for community comment– 2 Tim Flannery The Weather Makers. Text Publishing April 2006-pg 31 Melbourne Australia. 2005 2 Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Authority-Port 3 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change-[Online] Phillip and Westernport Regional Catchment Strategy Oct 06 Search for 2004-2009 Stratospheric ozone recovery 3 Ibid 4 National Environment Protection Council-National 4 Andrew R. Longmore-Port Phillip Bay Environmental Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Management Plan: Monitoring the State of the Bay’s Quality, [Online] Oct 06 Nitrogen Cycling (2002-2005) Department of Primary 5 National Pollution Inventory-[Online] 5 Doctor Graham Harris-Past Chief of CSIRO Land & 6 Environment Protection Authority-Publication 1044- Water. Channel Deepening in Port Phillip Bay-Is That All Victoria’s Air Quality 2005-June 2006-Page 10 There Is? 7 As for 1 6 Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management 8 Environment Protection Authority–Air Monitoring Authority-Annual Report 2001 Report 2005 Publication 1045-June 2006. 7 Melbourne Water-Social and Environment Report 9 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change-Source 2004-05 Summary for Policy Makers-Report of the Working 8 CSIRO –The Findings 1992-1996–Publication number Group 1 for the Inter governmental Panel on the ISSN 1324-7905 Climate Change – “The atmospheric concentration 9Victorian EPA Variation to SEPP (Waters of Victoria)

of methane (CH4) has increased by 1060 ppb (151%) [Online] Oct 06

CH4 concentration has not been exceeded during cbb5/c47d8b95a76593774a2565fc0008e5a8/$FILE/

the past 420,000 years. The annual growth in CH4 S101.pdf> concentration slowed and became more variable in the 10 Melbourne Water -Melbourne Water Annual Report 1990s, compared with the 1980s. Slightly more than 2005 11 half of current CH4 emissions are anthropogenic (eg, Port Phillip Bay Environmental Management Plan use of fossil fuels, cattle, rice agriculture and landfi lls). 2003-Interim Review of Implementation In addition, carbon monoxide (CO) emissions have 12 Victorian EPA–Waste Management Policy (Ships

recently been identifi ed as a cause of increasing CH4 Ballast)-[Online] Oct 06 spm22-01.pdf> page 7 13 EPA Victorian-Beach Report Water Quality Results 10 Victorian Greenhouse Gas Inventory-Information 2004-05 Sheet–2004 [Online] Oct 06 Management Plan: Monitoring the State of the Bay’s 11 ibid Nitrogen Cycling (2002-2005) Department of Primary 12 ibid Industries-June 2005 13 As for 1 15 Ibid 14 Australasian Emissions Trading Forum-[Online] Oct 06 Other References; 15 Monbiot, George (2006) Heat: How to stop the planet Melbourne Water-Principles of Water Sensitive Urban burning. Penguin Group, Camberwell, Victoria. Design-[Online] Oct 06

Williams, G.A. and Serena, M. Distribution of platypus in the Melbourne metropolitan region: survey results, 2005- 06. (2006). (Report to Melbourne Water). Australian Platypus Conservancy: Whittlesea.

Melbourne Water -Draft Port Phillip & Westernport Regional River Health Strategy. Jan 2005.

70 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 references

Christopher J. Walsh, Alex W. Leonard-Urban Waste Stormwater and the Ecology of Streams, Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology, Water Studies 1 Victorian Government-Department of Sustainability and Centre, Monash University. Environment. Our Environment Our Future-Sustainability Statement 2006. Anthony R. Ladson, Tim D. Fletcher-Cooperative 2 Sustainability Victoria-Household Recycling Rates and Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology and Garbage going to Landfi ll 2003-04 and 2004-05 [Online] Institute for Sustainable Water Resources, Dept. of Civil Oct 06 Engineering, Monash University. 3 EcoRecycle Victoria 2005 (now Sustainability Victoria)- Towards Zero Waste-local government data collection Open Space survey 2003-2004 4 EcoRecycle Victoria (now Sustainability Victoria)- 1 Victorian Local and Weed Management–Case Towards Zero Waste-Annual Survey of Victorian Studies Report 2006-Municipal Association of Victoria- Recycling Industry 2003-04 September 2006 5 Victorian Government. Towards Zero Waste Strategy- 2Horsetails: State Prohibted Weed-Information Note Sustainability in Action 2005 LCO375-[Online] Oct 06 6 Community Change, Behaviour Environment, 3 Department of Primary Industrys-Landcare note Research, Education. The Victorian Litter Report (VLR) LCO298-[Online] Oct 06 10 Department of Sustainability and Environment-Flora 10 EPA Victoria-Port Phillip Bay Beach Litter Survey and Fauna Gaurantee Act 1988-Action Statement 2004-05-[Online] Oct 06 Publications.nsf/2f1c2625731746aa4a256ce90001c 11 Municipal Association of Victoria-Native Vegetation bb5/74d4b2d1703cfb10ca257052001e7222/$FILE/ Management and Local Government case Studies-a 1020.pdf> report on the capacity of Victorian local government to 11 www.cigarettelitter.org undertake native vegetation management. 12 Environment Protection and Heritage Council-Industry 12 PetNet-promoting socially responsible pet ownership- Discussion paper on Co-regulatory Frameworks for Australian Pet Ownership Statistics 2002-[Online] Oct Product Stewardship-December 2004-[Online] Oct 06 06 Other References; 13 The City of Boroondara-Byteback e-Waste Recycling DPI (2006) Landcare Note LC0252c–Declared Trial. Noxious Weeds, updated April 2006-[Online] Oct 06

Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9 71 appendix

Table 1: Declared noxious weeds categorised as regionally prohibited and controlled in Port Phillip and Westernport Region

Common Name Scientifi c Name PPWP Controlled/Prohibited African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum C African Daisy Senecio pterophorus C African Feather-grass Pennisetum macrourum C African Love-grass Eragrostis curvula C Angled Onion Allium triquetrum C Apple of Sodom Solanum linnaeanum C Artichoke Thistle Cynara cardunculus C Bathurst Burr Xanthium spinosum C Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg. C Boneseed/Bitou Bush Chrysanthemoides monilifera C Californian/Perennial Thistle Cirsium arvense C Cape Broom/ Montpellier Broom Genista monspessulana C Cape Tulip (One-leaf) Moraea fl accida (gazetted as Homeria fl accida) C Cape Tulip (Two-leaf) Moraea miniata (gazetted as Homeria miniata) C English Broom Cytisus scoparius C Fennel Foeniculum vulgare C Flax-leaved Broom Genista linifolia C Golden Thistle Scolymus hispanicus P Gorse/Furze Ulex europaeus C Great Mullein Verbascum thapsus C Hardheads/Russian Knapweed Acroptilon repens P Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna C Hemlock Conium maculatum C Hoary Cress Lepidium draba (gazetted as Cardaria draba) C Horehound Marrubium vulgare C Paterson’s Curse Echium plantagineum C Prairie Ground Cherry Physalis viscosa P Prickly Pear (Drooping) Opuntia monacantha (gazetted as O. vulgaris) C Prickly Pear (Erect) Opuntia stricta C Ragwort Senecio jacobaea C Saffron Thistle Carthamus lanatus C Sand Rocket/Sand Mustard Diplotaxis tenuifolia C Scotch/Heraldic Thistle Onopordum acanthium P Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma C Silverleaf Nightshade Solanum elaeagnifolium P Skeleton Weed Chondrilla juncea P Slender/Shore Thistle Carduus tenuifl orus / C. pycnocephalus C Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare C Spiny Broom Calicotome spinosa C Spiny Rush Juncus acutus C St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum P St Peter’s Wort Hypericum tetrapterum P Stinkwort Dittrichia graveolens C Sweet Briar Rosa rubiginosa C Thorn Apple (Common) Datura stramonium C Thorn Apple (Long-spine) Datura ferox C Thorn Apple (Recurved) Datura inoxia C Topped Lavender Lavandula stoechas C Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima C Tutsan Hypericum androsaemum C Variegated Thistle Silybum marianum C Wild Garlic Allium vineale P Wild Mignonette Reseda luteola C Wild Watsonia Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera (gazetted as W. meriana ‘Bulbillifera’) C

Source: Department of Sustainability and Environment-Landcare note LC252

72 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne – Bulletin 9