Environmental Education Strategy - Campbelltown City Council ...

Environmental Education Strategy 2009 - 2012SoESectionKey topic under NSWEnvironmentalEducation PlanLocal issueSediment anderosioncontrolOutline of issueOne of the significant causes of stormwater pollution stems from inadequate sedimentand erosion control practices. However the source of sediment and erosion issues forstormwater systems is more easily identified than general stormwater pollution and thuseasier to manage.AquaticWeedsOne of the major threats to local waterway health and biodiversity levels are aquaticweeds. Local residents have inadvertently introduced many of these weeds intobushland areas. By educating the community to better identify weeds, and be moreaware of their impact, we can reduce their impact on the environment, as less residentswill be involved with activities which serve to promote their spread. Particular focusshould be paid to informing residents on how to properly dispose of the contents ofdomestic fish tanks and aquariums, as this is a common source for aquatic weeds.WaterEfficiencyAn ongoing issue in the Sydney area is the long term supply of potable water. This hasbeen identified by Sydney Water, who are undertaking steps such as building adesalination plant to ensure there is sufficient water supply for the area. Another way toaddress this issue is to reduce the demand on potable water supplies by using watermore efficiently. This can include installation of water tanks, water efficient showerheads and taps, and drip irrigation systems, plus actions which save water such astaking shorter showers or adopting simple changes in behaviour.SalinityFollowing significant modifications to the natural environmental systems in Australia,there has been an increase in salinity and salinity related issues. By increasing people’sawareness of salinity and the factors behind it’s development, we can work towardsaddressing this issue, by encouraging behaviours which address the issue of salinity.These behaviours include fixing leaking pipes, planting appropriate native plants andsalt tolerant plants, not over-watering gardens or lawns, and ensuring there is adequatedrainage on a property.Version 2.03 18/3/10Page 40 of 48