Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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site specific
region wide
Kids flock to the Pied Piper of the Murray
Local schoolchildren conduct Waterwatch activities to gauge the health of a waterway
On the banks of the Sunraysia TAFE pond
Local schoolchildren Jesse and Addie test what organisms are present
Most school children in the Mallee region have had fun catching bugs for a Water Watch survey at some point in their lives, but the attraction never fades.
The popular activity is an enduring part of the Regional Water Watch project, teaching children from a young age about the need to protect precious water resources like the Murray River.
"Our message to everyone is: you do have an impact on the Murray, you can minimise it, and get involved in water monitoring," said Darren Wilson, River and Wetland Health Coordinator with the Mallee Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
"I often get kids running up to me calling out, 'Hey Mr Water Watch Man!' and it's these kids taking the message home that makes their parents aware too."
Funding
More than $330,000 has been provided for the project from the Australian and State Governments.
Activities
A strong link is being forged with the community-and particularly schools-to promote the message that the Murray River is a precious water resource in a very dry region.
"The Murray is under threat from campers removing firewood that may have provided habitat for animals, fishermen catching endangered species and from boats that leak oil," said Darren.
"The river is also threatened by overuse of fertilisers adding nutrients to the environment, overuse of water causing salinity, and spraying on windy days with herbicides and pesticides entering the water system.
"We often take school groups to the river to conduct the popular water bug survey. Seeing how many and what kind of bugs are present tells us how healthy a waterway is."
A wide variety of activities have been run as part of the project. These include school visits and presentations, an environmental schools festival in 2006, plus national water week efforts in October and an annual carp event.
Achievements
Originally the project only had one coordinator, but now Darren plus two full-time coordinators are barely keeping up with demand.
"Three years ago, about 3,000 people attended or were involved in our activities," said Darren. "By 2006 that number had grown to more than 8,000. Similarly, three years ago we were visiting 40-60 schools a year, but now that figure's doubled. Importantly, the number of monitors has also grown from six regulars to 20."
More information
- Darren Wilson, River and Wetland Health Coordinator, Mallee Catchment Management Authority: Ph (03) 5051 4360 or darren.wilson@dpi.vic.gov.au
- Mallee Catchment Management Authority
- Waterwatch Victoria
See also
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