City of Bayswater Mayor Sylvan Albert snags some rubbish as Swan River Trust’s Mark Thornley looks on.
Camera IconCity of Bayswater Mayor Sylvan Albert snags some rubbish as Swan River Trust’s Mark Thornley looks on. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Join clean-up to save wildlife

Lauren Pilat, Eastern ReporterEastern Reporter

Waste was collected in fishing line disposal units installed near Garratt Road Bridge and Maylands Yacht Club by the City of Bayswater and Swan River Trust in December.

A third bin will be installed at the new floating jetty at Tranby, adding to about 30 bins along the foreshore expected to be used to dispose of about 20km of fishing line per year.

Expanding on this, the City of Bayswater in partnership with Swan River Trust, Recfishwest, Native Animal Rescue and Keep Australia Beautiful will hold an inaugural Reel It In clean-up day on Sunday, May 18, at Hinds Reserve in Bayswater.

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Mayor Sylvan Albert said the aim was to emphasise the river should be conserved, protected and managed in a sustainable way for future generations to enjoy.

‘This initiative is a welcome addition to many of the activities that the council is currently undertaking to ensure the sustainable use of our resources,’ he said.

Swan River Trust’s Mark Thornley said the day would help reduce the devastating impact fishing line entanglements had on dolphins, pelicans and other wildlife in the Swan Canning Riverpark. ‘This is an opportunity for anglers and the community to get together and help clean up fishing tackle, bait bags and other general waste from Garratt Road Bridge to Riverside Gardens,’ he said.

‘All responsible fishers know the damage discarded fishing line and tackle can cause wildlife and this event is about educating the fishing community and general public to fish and recreate sustainably through a fun day.’

Recfishwest chief executive officer Andrew Rowland said litter depreciated the amenity of some favourite fishing spots and had detrimental effects on the environment.

‘We believe there’s no time like the present to make a positive impact and take responsibility for our beloved aquatic environments,’ he said. ‘It is great to see fishing licence money revenue being invested in a project such as this that will have a positive impact on the environment and the community.’

Recfishwest will host a fishing clinic after the clean-up and a free sausage sizzle.

The essentialsWHAT: Reel It In clean-up.WHEN: 9am-11amFree barbecue11am-1pmSunday, May 18WHERE: Hinds Reserve, Bayswater