The Port Hacking river is in the Sutherland Shire. Many people use the Port Hacking river for recreational activities such as swimming boating and picnicking. Therefore it is very important that the river is as clean as possible. Some of the problems will be discussed in the following slides.

The Helensburgh garbage depot located at the head of Garbage Tip Creek is the only waste disposal site operating in the Hacking catchment. The rubbish tip is leaching poisons into the river. We want to stop the poisons going into the Hacking river by moving the tip somewhere else.

Dredging is causing a problem to the river. Dredging releases turbidity which can be damaging for plants and marine creatures, especially phytoplankton which are the beginning of the food chain. This has adversely impacted area such as shiprock marine reserves. They should stop dredging and get smaller boats and flat bottom boats

The Metropolitan Colliery is located in an environmentally sensitive area close to the Royal National Park. Runoff from the Colliery flows into Camp Creek and the Hacking River. In the past both waterways have been contaminated by stormwater runoff from the mine during periods of wet weather. The coal mine has generated pollution including chemicals and coal wash. The Helensburgh coal mine should stop polluting the river. We could build a wall to stop the coal getting in or put filters in.

Storm water drains are a problem it puts lots of pollution into the river. Every year, millions of litres of stormwater wash litter, cigarette butts and pollutants from suburban streets and recreational areas down drains and into our rivers, creeks and bays. Wildlife relies on healthy rivers, creeks and wetlands for their survival. Their presence can be great indicators of the health of rivers and creeks. It is up to all of us to keep their homes clean and safe.

Turbidity

Pollution

Poisons

Coal Wash

Poisons

Human Waste