Dumaresq Creek Facing Issues?
We look further into the problem!
Dumaesq Creek filled with waste.
Human Pollution is a serious issue in Dumaresq Creek. The council is trying to lessen the issue, the problem seems to be getting worse. The council have installed a pollutant trap in one section of the creek, while it has stopped a fair amount of rubbish continuing through the creek, people just seem to be throwing more in.
We spoke to a local for her imput about this issue.
" While walking along the creek, I found quite a large amount in the section behind the cinemas. I grabbed a plastic bag I found further along the creek and managed to fill the bag in just one section!" -Sasha
Willows doing more?
To most people, willow trees look appealing and are quite an beautiful aspect to add to a park. Although they look nice, willows are actually damaging to the environment. One willow tree planted near a creek can eventually turn into 40 or more along the one creek. Armidale Dumaresq Creek is one that is facing this very problem. When a single branch drops from a willow tree, it then travels downstream and can then spawn into a whole new tree. The root system ranges far from the tree and is very damaging to the sides of the creek. Because of the way the roots grow, willow can cause erosion on the edge of the creek, making the banks very dangerous and unstable.
Bulrushes barging through the creek.
A major problem we have in Dumaresq creek are the bulrushes that have grown there. These plants soak up all the water in the creek and make it hard for wildlife that live in the creek to pass through. The bulrushes are also a natural net for capturing rubbish and then it is difficult for volunteers to reach the rubbish without trudging through the creek.
Clean up your act
While these issues are getting worse, Armidale has a volunteer group dedicated to helping clean out the creek.
The Armidale Urban River Care Group have been volunteering and holding working bees to help promote the problem of the creek. The volunteers have been very busy over the past couple of years. They have helped plant native plants back into the area, while removing 'exotic' vegetation that has been introduced to the area.
The group applies for funding from the State and Commonwealth Government, but mostly rely on the kindness of the community and they are always looking for volunteers to come and help out.