Former Dubbo resident Mary Wooderson wrote to the Daily Liberal last week in disgust about the state of Sandy Beach and Devil’s Elbow after visiting both places during a trip back to Dubbo.

Ms Wooderson wrote of the “filth” which was strewn across the top of the river, including cans, condoms and plastic bottles.

She said she was brought to tears because of the state of both reserves.

Council’s technical support manager Jock Smith defended council’s efforts to keep the river system free from pollution, but admitted that continual funding was needed to maintain the water streams.

“There are 14 gross pollutant traps across the city to control visible pollution, with more than 300 tonnes of gross pollutants removed since 1999 which would otherwise have gone into the river,” Mr Smith said.

“Council is reliant on funding to manage environmental issues. Without funding, the options are limited.”

Landcare operations manager Murray Wood said council protected the river corridor by picking up rubbish along the river banks and in nearby reserves as part of routine maintenance.

He said Dubbo Tidy Towns also organised an annual river clean up known as World Clean Up (Clean Up the River).

“This year 250kg of rubbish was removed from the river with two-thirds recycled with the assistance of JR Richards and Sons,” Mr Wood said.

“Approximately 40 participants took part with a number of individuals interested in getting involved in other activities.

“Orana Dragon Boaters also do an informal clean up when they use the river at Sandy Beach.

“Dubbo City Council supplies bags to the Dragon Boaters for rubbish collection and collects the full bags of rubbish for disposal.”

anna.yeo

@ruralpre ss.com