STATE OF THE Georges 2020 condition of riparian vegetation and channel structure, water quality, accumulated litter also limits the way people can quality and macroinvertebrate communities (i.e. waterbugs). use and enjoy the river. The most effective way to reduce litter from entering the environment is through stopping it For 2019/20, as in past years, the grades reflect the at the source through programs that seek to reduce the ecological damage of urban creeks. This ecological amount of waste produced and ensure what is produced is degradation is consistent with the worldwide phenomena disposed of appropriately. However, it is also important to known as the ‘Urban Stream Syndrome’. address the litter that enters waterways. The main cause of this syndrome is the much larger volumes of stormwater that are delivered from impervious The Georges Riverkeeper partnership with NSW Justice urban landscapes than are delivered from forested - Corrective Services has been operating for many years landscapes, whilst sewage overflows and legacy pollutants to remove litter from the environment. Since 2007, we also contribute. The catchment, with a have removed 1,300 tonnes from the catchment, that’s population of close to 1.5 million people and extensive equivalent in weight to over 43 hump back whales; we urban and industrial development, generates major have removed 180 tonnes between 2018/19 to 2019/20. stormwater inflows into urban creeks. Georges Riverkeeper acknowledges and thanks the groups and individuals who advocate for a cleaner river and remove rubbish from the catchment and waterways, including member Councils, Clean Up Day participants, Ocean Crusaders, and environmental groups. WHAT IS THIS DOCUMENT Bush regeneration goes hand-in-hand with litter removal The Georges River catchment ABOUT? for river rehabilitation. While it may not be realistic to return stretches from the Georges River to a pristine condition, Bushcare and The State of the Georges River 2020 gives an overview of bush regeneration are important to restore habitat and on the east coast of New the ecological condition of the Georges River and details biodiversity in the catchment. Georges Riverkeeper has actions that are being taken to improve the ‘state’ or South Wales west towards helped to rehabilitate 12.7 hectares between 2018/19 to ‘health’ of the river. and 2019/20. There are currently approximately 103 Bushcare It also tells the story of events that have impacted the river sites operating in the catchment and they always welcome south into bushland around During rain events, these function not as creeks should, but through history, highlights the need for continued waterway new volunteers. as stormwater canals which rapidly transfer the pollutant Campbelltown and Appin. The management in the face of ongoing challenges, and loaded stormwater into the river. For the freshwater creeks, Ongoing management of stormwater flow and urban northern and western parts of showcases projects that are being undertaken by Georges creeks is also vital to the health of the river. Some of Riverkeeper and Councils to pursue improvements in the symptoms include altered channel morphology, highly the Georges River catchment the projects that have been undertaken by Georges river’s health. eroded banks, widespread weeds, elevated waterborne are dominated by the pollutants (including litter), reduced native biodiversity and Riverkeeper and Councils over the past two years to help expanses of ’s urban WHAT IS THE STATE OF THE increased dominance of tolerant aquatic species, including rehabilitate the river and improve liveability in the catchment sprawl, with natural areas non-natives. are profiled on page 9 and 10. and National Parks taking up GEORGES RIVER? Fortunately, ecological health has been maintained in the We encourage all 1.5 million people living in the Georges River catchment to enjoy the river, learn about the river and much of the upper catchment Where the river flows through forested areas in the upper forested creeks in the upper Georges River catchment. Also, catchment, it is in very good health. In the middle, more the water quality in the Georges River (tidal areas) help the river. We need your help to keep making progress. to the south. The total length populated and developed areas of the catchment, the was good at most sites. This reflects that monitoring events of the Georges River is around health of the river is degraded by impacts of urbanisation, in the estuary in 2019/20 did not coincide with large storms, 100 km, with the tidal limit and in the lower estuarine catchment, the tidal influence during which poorer quality water enters the estuary. has a positive impact on the health of the river. delineated by . The map of river health grades is on page 7 and 8. COUNTERING RIVER DAMAGE The water is fresh above the As the majority of the Georges River catchment consists weir and then increasingly WHAT DO THE GRADES MEAN? of urban areas, the potential for degradation is high. saline as the river approaches Fortunately, environmental challenges in the catchment are River health being tackled by the community, government and a host Botany Bay. River Health grades for the Georges River are determined of organisations. One such challenge is litter. As well as using scientifically rigorous methods to measure the causing ecological damage and contributing to poor water

1 STATE OF THE GEORGES RIVER 2020 GEORGES RIVERKEEPER | georgesriver.org.au 2 | Hand stencils photograph by Alan Fairley, Oatley Flora Georges River Oyster } and Fauna Conservation Farm of the Derwent Society Inc. Liverpool Weir, } and Drake Families, ‘Liverpool: dam and Neverfail Bay, Oatley paper mills’ from the NSW. Image courtesy State Library of NSW. of Georges River Railways and Libraries Local Studies tramways built and Collection. For more information about Aboriginal culture and the lower catchment Georges River, visit: georgesriver.org.au/aboriginal-culture transformed to mainly residential. Pollution Increased implementation of Water Pacific Oyster After 1900, overtook Sensitive Urban Design. Studies Pollution Mortality Aboriginal arrived in Botany Timber and lime Liverpool improved transport unsustainable Middle reaches West Cliff coal mine show stormwater responsible for shifted from Towra Syndrome Federal use of the Bay for settlement, but from seashells Weir built, made beaches harvesting as of Georges began operations in most pollutants to the river. Licensed mostly organic Point decimated Government region for rejected it in favour of harvested from using and public pools biggest threat to River closed the upper Georges and unlicensed industrial discharge to inorganic Ramsar cultivation of Green Army millennia Sydney Harbour local waterways convict more popular fishing industry for swimming River catchment and sewerage continue to impact. Pacific Oyster in conservation labour than for and ecology of pollutants, such site swimming waterways as metals listed Georges River program

Pre- 1800- 1804- 1870s- 1880s- 1910- 1950s- From 2014- 2014- 1770 1788 1795 1836 1886 1927 1940s 1962 1970 1976 1979 1984 1994 2003 2010 2017 1770 1810 1830s 1880s 1890s 1930s 1970s 1990s 2017 2018

Large-scale Botany Bay Bass and Flinders Main land use Proposals to Commercially Construction of sand mining Establishment of QX disease Georges Aboriginal NSW surveyed by British surveyed Georges changed from dam Cooks successful Dam in middle Georges Riverkeeper reaches the river Riverkeeper Riverkeeper Team Government explorers River farming to grants to River and oyster cultivation begins, to capture reaches, and decimates begins partnership conservation and introduces aristocrats for large Georges River established in water for supply to creating cultivation of Sydney with NSW land management Return and country estates. In for water supply the river Sydney Chipping NSW State Rock Oysters Department traineeships Earn scheme 1832, land grants abandoned Norton Lakes. Pollution Control Justice, Corrective were replaced by Reclamation Commission (SPCC) Services land purchase Pollution from of estuarine created, with direct agricultural runoff, shorelines regulatory power Return and Earn } Carss Park shark } using garbage over industrial Container Deposit proof swimming direct inflows of Scheme. | Georges River, Como area 1935. waste from riverside to build land pollution in 1974. NSW, believed to be Image courtesy industry, and the above the high SPCC became | Council sand pit at c. 1900. Image of Georges open drains and NSW Environmental Chipping Norton, courtesy of Georges River Libraries c.1968. HL000222-1. River Libraries Local Local Studies pipes of emerging Protection Agency Liverpool Library TIMELINE OF EVENTS IMPACTING WATER QUALITY WATER TIMELINE OF EVENTS IMPACTING Studies Collection. Collection. suburbs. in 1992 Heritage Collection.

Timeline source: Reid D.J. (2020). A review of intensified land use effects on the ecosystems of Botany Bay and its rivers, Georges River and , in , Australia. Regional Studies in Marine Science, volume 39, 101396. For more information about the timeline of events impacting the Georges River, visit: georgesriver.org.au/timeline ONGOING CHALLENGES FOR THE URBANISED GEORGES RIVER

Deforestation and High stormwater flows Poor water quality Sewage Litter Exotic species Climate change Human behaviour habitat loss Impervious urban surfaces Rainwater flowing across urban Sewage leaks and overflows Litter is washed or blown into Some introduced plants and Climate change is a global The Georges River catchment Much of the Georges River prevent infiltration of water into landscapes can pick up oils, occur from broken pipes and waterways, including creeks, animals thrive in highly altered phenomenon with local has approximately 1.5 million catchment is highly urbanised, the ground, as occurs in forested detergents and tyre residue from blockages, and when high flows rivers and the ocean. Much of the urban landscapes, with highly consequences. Changing residents. Most people value with the clearing of significant landscapes. Most runoff from roads; fertilisers, pesticides and overwhelm the system during litter entering the Georges River diverse native ecosystems being climatic conditions will require maintaining clean and healthy areas of native forest resulting storms in the catchment is lawn clippings from gardens; high rainfall. As well as smelling that is plastic does not degrade, replaced by a few hardy exotic adjustments in our way of life and waterways for their intrinsic in loss of habitats and reduced directed into stormwater channels sediment from poorly maintained awful, sewage leaks have it just breaks up into small pieces species. In addition to the loss threaten many species’ survival. natural values, beauty and biodiversity. Cleared landscapes and urban creeks, then into the construction sites; litter; and other pathogens that are harmful to that persist in the environment. of native biodiversity, simplified Reduced rainfall, more intense amenity. However, a large urban lack the ability to trap and filter Georges River. The resulting high pollutants carelessly disposed human health, and high nutrient Plastic litter reduces amenity, ecosystems do not provide storms, sea level rise and flooding population that feels increasingly pollutants before they flow flows wash many pollutants into of down outdoor drains. Most concentrations that can result in harms wildlife and can enter food the same range of beneficial will have significant impacts on disconnected from nature can into waterways. Large-scale waterways, erode creeklines and stormwater is not treated before fish kills. webs. ecosystem services as more property and life in the Georges lose sight of how their actions can sandmining and dredging have flood low-lying areas. entering the Georges River. complex ecosystems. River catchment. affect river health. also dramatically altered the morphology of the Georges River. For more information about the Georges River, see georgesriver.org.au/learn-about-the-river

3 STATE OF THE GEORGES RIVER 2020 GEORGES RIVERKEEPER | georgesriver.org.au 4 Bush Regeneration HOW TO READ THE MAP INDICATORS EXPLAINED Georges Riverkeeper has implemented a number RIVER HEALTH CONDITIONS Grading system Riparian vegetation of projects to improve the condition of remnant bushland River Health grades Riparian vegetation are plants living along the throughout the catchment. Projects have focused on are a useful way to River Health indicators are assessed against edges of waterways. They contribute to maintaining the communicate the environmental guidelines allowing the award of a regenerating riparian lands along the river and its tributaries. condition of waterways by stabilising banks with roots, condition of waterways grade between A+ and F-. Major projects over the past two years have included and are now widely dropping leaves and wood that act as important habitat regeneration projects at Oyster Creek Gully and Simmos used across the for native animals, nutrient processing as they grow, Beach, and saltmarsh revegetation. Georges Riverkeeper world. The grades regulation of temperature via canopy shade and filtration has also piloted a program with NSW Justice - Corrective provide an easy to of pollutants that may otherwise enter waterways in Services and where Corrective Service understand indication overland flow. of the relative environmental health of waterways across offenders conduct bush regeneration in the Fairfield Local the Georges River catchment. The grades are useful WATER QUALITY Government Area. These projects complement extensive for highlighting the effects of surrounding land uses on member Council bush regeneration programs and other All aquatic plants and animals have specific water waterways in the Georges River catchment. organisations’ activities that are helping to improve urban quality requirements. They will not survive in water where Although it is within the Sydney metropolitan region, the river bushland and the river. The area regenerated by Georges INTERPRETING map ICONS depleted amounts of desirable materials or elevated health remains ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’ in the upper Georges This diagram shows an example grading box. Riverkeeper programs is reported for each subcatchment. River catchment and other freshwater subcatchments with amounts of undesirable materials are outside of their minimal urban development. Those subcatchments include tolerance limits. River Health monitors water quality Bushcare Sites 2019/20 Water O’Hares Creek, and Mill Creek. Grade Quality Macroinvertebrate indicators in the main channel, tributaries and estuary Threats including weed invasion diminish the Vegetation The highly urbanised freshwater subcatchments include of the Georges River catchment throughout the year. quality of remnant bushland in our urban areas. This, in Bunbury Curran, Cabramatta and Prospect Creeks and most Determining which water quality indicators are depleted turn, reduces the vital ecosystem service functions that of the smaller creeks flowing directly to the estuary. The river SUBCATCHMENT and elevated at different locations provides valuable bushlands perform including: maintaining biodiversity, health in those waterways is usually rated ‘Fair’ to ‘Poor’, A NAME information about effects of other land uses on waterways soil formation and retention, pollination, provision of which is reflective of degraded riparian vegetation (e.g. often A A A 1. Site Name 1 A+ A- B- across the Georges River catchment. wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration and public amenity. only narrow strips of weedy vegetation along creeks), poor 1. Site Name 2 A+ A- B- water quality and low diversity of macroinvertebrates. FRESHWATER Bushcare volunteers play a vital role in helping to 1,234 Kg 2 Sites Location Name manage urban bushland. Their efforts rehabilitating and Grades were mostly ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’ within the Georges 1 - 123/m2 MACROINVERTEBRATES regenerating natural areas ensures that urban bushland River estuary (from below Liverpool Weir to Botany Bay). This 6 Devices 4.4 Ha Location Name Macroinvertebrates are small animals without 2 - 456/m2 reflects that sampling did not directly follow major stormwater backbones, such as worms, snails and insects. They can be enjoyed by future generations. The number of runoff events. Also, we have consistently found that during have diverse habits and life histories. Organisms that Bushcare sites is reported for each subcatchment. droughts and periods of low rainfall (as has been experienced Gross Pollutant Bush Regeneration, Traps, number 2018/19 - 2019/20, Microplastics, live in freshwater streams vary in their sensitivities to in 2018-20) that water quality in the upper estuary is better of devices area in Ha. 2018/19 - 2019/20 Gross Pollutant Traps (GPT) pieces per m2 than in wetter periods. Bushcare, changes in water quality and habitat. River health surveys Gross pollutants generally consist of litter, debris and number of macroinvertebrates in spring and autumn. Determining For further detail see the map on pages 7 and 8. For a Litter Removed, sites Site Grades coarse sediments. When these gross pollutants, in particular 2018/19 – 2019/20, which macroinvertebrates can and can’t live at particular summary of 2019/20 river health grades for the Georges amount in Kg. Subcatchment litter, enter waterways, they reduce the recreational River, visit: georgesriver.org.au/2020grades Grades locations provides valuable information about freshwater amenity and aesthetic value of the environment, reducing health across the Georges River catchment. public enjoyment and liveability while increasing negative environmental impacts. Gross Pollutant Traps (GPTs) Litter Removed capture and remove large particles in waterways before Georges Riverkeeper has a long term relationship they further impact the environment. The number of GPTs 450 with NSW Justice - Corrective Services with Teams managed by Councils is reported for each sub-catchment. 400 conducting rubbish and litter removal at over 214 sites

350 across the catchment. Riverkeeper Teams target litter Microplastics aggregation hot spots and exposed areas where littering 300 Microplastics are small particles of plastic, often is a problem. Aggregation hot spots include formed from the breakup of larger plastic pieces. They are 250 forests, saltmarsh and reed beds all of which are important a problem for the environment as they persist for a long 200 ecological communities vital to the ecosystem functions of time, can harbour toxic chemicals and are easily ingested by

Rainfall (mm) 150 a healthy river. The quantity of litter removed over the past wildlife. Georges Riverkeeper has documented microplastic

100 two years is presented on the map over the page. The contamination at a number of sites throughout the estuary works being conducted to keep the river clean not only 50 using AUSMAP methods (see www.ausmap.org). These benefit the environment and public amenity but provide figures represent the average results of microplastic surveys 0 meaningful activities for offender rehabilitation. conducted in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Jul 19 Jul 18 Jan 19 Jan 20 Oct 18 Oct 19 Jun 19 Jun 20 Apr 19 Apr 20 Feb 19 Feb 20 Mar 19 Mar 20 Dec 18 Dec 19 Nov 18 Nov 19 Aug 18 May 19 May 20 AUg 19 Sept 18 Sept 19

5 STATE OF THE GEORGES RIVER 2020 GEORGES RIVERKEEPER | georgesriver.org.au 6 7 OVERALL GEORGES RIVER ECOLOGICAL HEALTH B- FRESHWATER GRADE D OVERALL D+ 10,234 Kg 5 Sites n/a A 1. Little E D+ D+ ESTUARY 1. Upper C D F+ 23 Devices n/a 2. Orphan School Creek Lower C C- C 16,455 Kg 7 Sites Kelso Beach: GRADE 3. Prospect Creek Upper C D+ F 104 /m2 4. Prospect Creek Lower D D C+ 32 Devices 0.4 Ha Mickeys Beach: 92 /m2 27,362 Kg 5 Sites n/a D+ 53 Devices 0.427 Ha 1. Dairy Creek D B- E 2. Myles Dunphy Reserve Creek A B- E+ 3. Poulton Creek F C+ F+ 4. Carina Creek C- A- D+

15,223 Kg 31 Sites Taren Point: 161/m2 140 Devices 7.575 Ha Towra Point: 398/m2 25,290 Kg 2 Sites Cutler Beach: 1051/m2 32 Devices 0.125 Ha

BAY FORESHORE

10,257 Kg 1 Site Brighton Le Sands Beach: 38 Devices 0.120 Ha 126/m2 Silver Beach: C- 18/m2 STATE OF THE GEORGES RIVER2020

1. Hinchinbrook Creek A- C D- 2. Upper B+ D+ F- 3. Cabramatta Creek Lower D+ B C+ 4. Brickmakers Creek E C- E+

22,770 Kg 4 sites n/a

131 Devices n/a

GEORGES RIVERKEEPER |georgesriver.org a A

i. Liverpool Weir A x. Carina Bay A ii. Chipping Norton Lakes A xi. Oatley Bay Moore A- iii. Lt Cantello Reserve A- Reserve D+ iv. Mill Creek B xii. Oatley Bay Poulton Park B+ v. Little Salt Pan Creek A+ xiii. Kyle Bay A+ 1. Smiths Creek C D+ E vi. Salt Pan Creek A+ xiv. Kogarah Bay A- 2. Bunbury Curran Creek D+ D- D+ vii. Lime Kiln Bay A- xv. Scott Park Saltmarsh A- viii. Gungah Bay A xvi. Tonbridge Creek B+ Kooringa Reserve ix. Bonnet Bay A xvii. Botany Bay A+ 3. Bunbury Curran Creek B- D+ C+ Harold Bridge

29,284 Kg 3 Sites n/a A 43 Devices n/a 1. Barden Creek A+ A+ A+ 2. Mill Creek A B A-

n/a 1 Site n/a u 21 Devices n/a

A

1. Georges River Frere’s Crossing A+ A A 2. Georges River Ingleburn Weir A+ A A+ 1. Georges River Upper A+ A- B- 3. Georges River Simmos Beach A B+ A- 2. Brennans Creek A+ B- B+ 4. Georges River Cambridge Ave A- C+ A 3. Georges River Kennedy Grove A+ C- B- 4. Georges River Woolwash A+ A- B+ 15,470 Kg 3 Sites Simmos A+ Beach: 4/m2 7,322 Kg 1 Site n/a 26 Devices n/a

4 Devices 4.4 Ha 1. Maddens Creek A+ A+ A+ 2. Illuka Creek A+ A+ C- 3. Cobbong Creek A+ A+ A+ 4. Stokes Creek A+ A+ A+ 5. O’Hares Creek Woolwash A+ A- A- MAP KEY Urban A+ Forest 1. Bottle Creek A+ B+ B+ Restricted Access 2. Woronora River A+ A+ C+ For instructions on 3. Heathcote Creek A+ A+ A+ Waterways how to read this map, n/a 38 Sites n/a Subcatchment Boundaries see page 5. 8 Council Boundaries 46 Devices n/a PROJECTS THAT ARE IMPROVING RIVER HEALTH

Georges RiverKEEPER PROJECTS Member COUNCIL PROJECTS (cont.)

Lake Gillawarna Green Valley Creek Lake Gillawarna bordering This joint project with Fairfield Prospect Creek has been affected City Council, funded by the negatively by its urban catchment. NSW Government through the City of Canterbury has improved the condition of this Environmental Trust Restoration and Rehabilitation grants wetland area through installing native plants, increasing wetland program, is rehabilitating 5 hectares of the upper reaches vegetation and improving the edge of the waterways. These of Green Valley Creek that have been impacted by urban Sporobolus Planting Oyster Creek Gully Simmos Beach changes will improve water quality by reducing the sediment development. With funding assistance from a NSW Environmental In 2019 Georges Riverkeeper and This joint project with Sutherland Partnering with Campbelltown City levels, reducing the impacts of excessive nutrients as well as Trusts’ Restoration and Rehabilitation grant, weeds have been Conservation Australia Volunteers delivered Shire Council funded through the Council, this project funded through the improving the dissolved oxygen levels by improved circulation of treated, erosion prone banks stabilised and 35,000 native plants a project to help revegetate saltmarsh in NSW Environmental Trust Restoration NSW Environmental Trust Restoration water over shallow wetland areas. have been installed, increasing the width of this important riparian the Georges River. The project, assisted and Rehabilitation grants program is and Rehabilitation grants program, has www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au corridor. with funding by NSW DPI Fisheries’ regenerating 7.35 hectares of remnant improved environmental assets within www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au Recreational Fishing Trust’s “Habitat Action bushland. The riparian corridor has the Simmos Beach catchment. This area is home to threatened flora and fauna, Grant Program” saw the installation of been degraded by high flow stormwater, including koalas, and features a heavily 9,000 Sporobolus virginicus seedlings at increased nutrients and contaminants, weed infested creek line. In-stream six sites. The project has the potential to weed populations and decreased native sediment build up and weed infestations boost fish productivity in the Georges River biodiversity. To combat these effects, have been removed along the 4.14 hectare as Sporobolus virginicus has been found to on-ground works have included control of riparian corridor. Natural regeneration provide the greatest contribution to the diet invasive weeds and revegetation which has and assisted plantings are contributing Amalfi Park Platypus Pals of key fish species. been assisting natural regeneration. to the regeneration of the Simmos Beach Liverpool City Council has As part of Campbelltown City https://georgesriver.org.au/learn-about-the- https://georgesriver.org.au/learn-about-the- catchment area. developed and implemented Council’s Platypus Pals citizen river/targeted-improvement-the-georges- river/rehabilitation-the-oyster-creek-gully- https://georgesriver.org.au/learn-about-the- integrated water management initiatives to improve water science program, water samples will be collected from sites along river-estuarine-food-web habitat-corridor river/simmos-beach-restoration-grant quality throughout the Local Government Area. The recent the Georges River and its key tributaries to test for the presence $4.7M Amalfi Park project, partly funded by the OEH State and strength of platypus DNA. With funding support from The Floodplain Management Program, was awarded an Excellence in Australian Government and Oz Fish this project will shed light on Environmental Award for the trash racks, flood detention basin, the distribution of platypus for further surveys, and help Council boardwalk and wetlands that now assist in improving water and the community to ensure platypus are helped to thrive. quality and flood conveyance in Brickmakers Creek. www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au Member COUNCIL PROJECTS

Woolooware Bay Integrated Water Shared Pathway Management Policy Water Management Lower Gannons Park Council’s Council’s Strategy ’s large- multifaceted Bay Shared Pathway has increased Integrated Water Management Policy and Strategy aims to drive Bayside Council has adopted scale landscape and stormwater shorebird habitat in the bay. The project jointly funded by smarter water management outcomes in the area, focusing on a Water Management Strategy to drive water management naturalisation project within Lower Gannons Park is a great win for the NSW Government has seen an artificial shorebird island protecting the health of the aquatic ecosystems and increasing over the next 10 years. This plan will guide Council towards its the community and the environment. Boggywell Creek now flows installed and a heritage-listed wharf restored. These features biodiversity, recreation, liveability, climate resilience and flood vision: Bayside’s waterways and foreshores are healthy, its water through constructed wetlands, swales and bioretention systems, can be viewed from the new boardwalk and viewing platform. management, and promoting water conservation and reuse. management systems and infrastructure are smart and resilient, which treat and remove pollutants before entering the river. The Other environmental benefits of the project include treatment of www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au and the community is actively engaged in water management. project was partly funded by state and federal government grants contaminated land, installation of environmentally-friendly seawalls www.bayside.nsw.gov.au and a significant contribution by council. and saltmarsh plantings. www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au

9 STATE OF THE GEORGES RIVER 2020 GEORGES RIVERKEEPER | georgesriver.org.au 10 HOW CAN I HELP THE RIVER?

Georges Riverkeeper MEMEBER COUNCILS acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Visit and enjoy the river. Georges River, the Kamegal, Bedigal, Cabrogal, Cannemegal, and Norongerral people of the , Dharug and Dharawal nations and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and Get involved in local groups emerging. such as Bushcare. Georges Riverkeeper represents member Councils in the Georges River catchment of southern Sydney, NSW, including Bayside Council, Campbelltown City Council, City of Canterbury Place litter in bins as rain carries Bankstown, Fairfield City Council, litter pollution to the river. Georges River Council, Liverpool City Council, Sutherland Shire Council and Wollondilly Shire Council.

Georges Riverkeeper have Plant native plants, install undertaken River Health a rainwater tank or build a monitoring since 2009 and raingarden at your house. reported litter collection on Riverkeeper Report Cards since 2014.

For a PDF of this report, as well as previous River Health Report Cards, Use Council Chemical CleanUps visit www.georgesriver.org.au

to dispose of unwanted paints, ©Georges Riverkeeper chemicals and solvents. Connect with us PARTNERS

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Report river pollution to the georgesriverkeeper Environment Protection Authority. Call 131 555 GeorgesRiverkeeper georges-riverkeeper