If I have areas with special values how do I protect them?
Melbourne Water (MW) owns and manages over 40 sites classified as Sites of Biodiversity Significance (SoBS) and is committed to protecting the important biodiversity values of these sites. Management plans for these sites are included in MW’s asset management system and five yearly assessments of condition are conducted to ensure the sites are being protected. As well as SoBS, other environmentally sensitive sites include those that are Ramsar listed (e.g. Western Treatment Plant, Western Port) or crucial drought refuges. Contaminants can enter waterways from different land uses and activities, for example metals, hydrocarbons and pesticides are found in waterways close to industrial areas. Understanding the risk of contamination from surrounding areas is critical to being able to protect the environmental values within these sites.
This project aims to:
The initial contaminant risk assessment for all SoBS sites is now complete. During 2019, contaminant screening occurred at 13 high priority sites with follow up work to determine sources at one site. Further contaminant screening is planned for some of these sites, as well as additional high priority sites, in 2020.
RMIT A3P: Sara Long, Jackie Myers, Dan MacMahon, Vincent Pettigrove, Monica Tewman
MW: Rhys Coleman, Will Steele, Sarah Harris, Adrian Mazzarella, Trish Grant, Paul Rees, Slobodanka Stojkovic
Expected Completion: 2023
Contact: sara.long@rmit.edu.au on 9925 5748 or jackie.myers@rmit.edu.au or 9925 4841
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.