Biodiversity Events

 A darter was rescued by WIRES from the Cooks River with a piece of plastic party ribbon wrapped around its bill. The darter was very lucky- its plight was noticed by a member of the local community who called for help. Many other victims of litter are not found in time. Darters spear their food. Their beaks are sharp with rough edges. Once the ribbon was caught on the bird's beak it couldn't get it off. Without help it would have died a slow and painful death.  

Litter- plastic bags, bottles, cigarette butts, party balloons etc cause considerable harm to wildlife and the local environment. During heavy rain stormwater containing rubbish drains into our rivers and creeks. Gross Pollution traps are not enough to stop this garbage from entering our waterways. Tens of thousands of plastic bags and bottles get washed into our rivers and harbour. Floating islands of rubbish can regularly be seen on the Cooks River. In South Australia there is a refundable deposit on plastic bottles which ensures that they are returned. Some shops such as Aldi and Bunnings charge for plastic bags which encourages people to consider if they really need one.

What can you do to help?

• pick up any litter you see in the street to stop it being washed into our waterways
• avoid using plastic bags and bottles where possible and always recycle them
• write to the state government urging them to implement Container Deposit Legislation