"European settlement had a big effect on creeks and rivers, we’ve often used them as convenient waste dumps. Pump industrial waste, chemicals or sewage into them and watch it float away. Once we might have thought “problem solved”. Now we know differently. Treating rivers as dumps can (unsurprisingly) damage or even wipe out the life in it."
https://theconversation.com/many-urban-waterways-were-once-waste-dumps-restoration-efforts-have-made-great-strides-but-theres-more-to-do-to-bring-nature-back-206407

Bellinger River Rehabilitation Project
https://www.bellingerlandcare.org.au/current-projects/upper-bellinger-river-aquatic-and-terrestrial-habitat-connections/
#water #rivers #RiverCare #pollution #waste #restoration #platypus #BellingerRiverSnappingTurtle #biodiversity

Signs warning of prison time and thousands of dollars in fines for disturbing #wildlife failed to stop dozens of 4WD enthusiasts from gathering on a #river where endangered birds are nesting. https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/130674551/ute-drivers-ignore-doc-rules-and-hoon-through-rare-bird-nesting-area-on-crate-day #Endangered birds #SUVs #Rivercare #NZ #Conservation