Sunday, August 24, 2008

Drains on beaches

This drain, opposite the London Hotel, belongs to Melbourne Water. It discharges large volumes of stormwater onto our beach. Melbourne Water involved local people in a discussion about a preferred future for the stormwater outlet some years ago.
The preference was for the drain to exit alongside the boardwalk next to the TT Lines carpark. While Melbourne Water supported this option, no funds have been allocated to the project as it is not as urgent as other projects for which they are responsible.
Stormwater carries not only litter but pollutants such as sediments, dog poo and chemicals that are washed off the roads into the bay.
The EPA advises not to swim next to stormwater drains after rain.

I will continue to ask Melbourne Water to make this drain a priority so that it no longer exits on to the beach