2016-02-24
Doncaster, Victoria – Samantha Dunn, Greens MP for Eastern Metropolitan, says the Yarra River is often unsafe to swimmers and has been polluted for far too long. Asking a question in Parliament this week and demanding action from the Victorian government, Ms Dunn says that the current situation is unacceptable.
“The levels of E. coli in the river have been at unsafe levels for the past two months. It poses a serious health risk to the general public, to kayakers, rowers or swimmers.
“The Yarra is an icon of Melbourne, its unacceptable that our river is in such a poor state.
“A tweet about dangerous levels of E. coli in the river is completely inadequate way to ensure the public are aware of the dangers.
“Much more needs to be done to protect the health and wellbeing for river users. At the very least, the EPA should be putting signs up at popular swimming holes alerting swimmers.
“In January, E. coli levels were 6 times the safe level in Kew and 5 times the safe level in Warrandyte. In December, it was even worse with E. coli levels 8 times the safe level in Kew.”
For more information contact:
Samantha Dunn - (03) 9850 8600