Public concern over the health of Gulf St Vincent has highlighted the impacts of pollutants flowing from the century old industrial zones in Port Adelaide. Some areas are severely degraded as a result of concentrated industrial development, uncontrolled landfilling and liquid waste disposal.
In 1996 the National State of the Environment Report identified the Port River Estuary as the ‘the most diversely polluted estuary in South Australia’. To the community, the most obvious indications of the decline in water quality are mangrove deaths, seagrass loss, red tides, major water discolouration and fish kills.
A contribution of $800,000 from the Commonwealth Clean Seas Program will be used to reduce the impact of industry on the Port River Estuary on Barker Inlet, both sensitive areas in gulf St Vincent. The grant is part of a $3 million environmental program to be managed by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield.
Industry associations will work with the three spheres of government and research organisations on an industry sector and precinct basis. The partnership focuses on the promotion of best practice and cleaner production techniques across five key industry sectors automotive, transport, engineering, manufacturing and nursery and landscape.
The project is recruiting a range of companies to develop and invest in innovative techniques for pollution prevention, wastewater reuse and water conservation while improving the bottom line.
New riparian filter strips on public lands and new treatment infrastructure in public stormwater drains will complement action by Industry.
For further information contact Ken O’Neil, telephone (08) 8450 6837 or email koneil@portf.sa.gov.au
