Algal bloom points to need for urgent bay clean up

30/01/12

Reports of an algal bloom in Port Phillip Bay reinforce the urgent need for a 10-year plan to Clean Up the Bay.

In addition, the EPA Victoria’s website reports that the water quality at every bay beach today has been rated as “poor”.

The Bay is recognised as one of Melbourne’s most wonderful assets but the water quality is often poor with significant consequences for the health of the ecosystem and marine wildlife inhabiting the Bay.

It is incredibly disappointing that in recent months high pollution levels recorded by the EPA have forced the closure of up to 12 beaches on one day, with some remaining closed for several days.

This has not only impacted on families wanting to visit the beach, but has also disrupted events being held at the beach. This is hugely detrimental to Melbourne’s reputation as one of the most liveable cities in the world.

It is time to establish a new bay plan to bring together local communities with key stakeholders and representatives of Federal, State and local Government.

In conjunction with the Committee for Melbourne and marine educator Sheree Marris, I propose to establish a Port Philip Partnership to make the Bay the cleanest urban waterway in the Southern Hemisphere by 2022.

As a first step, we will be holding a forum in Melbourne next month to bring stakeholders together to discuss the way forward.

We believe that with the goodwill of the community and the determination of our partners, we will be able to make a real and lasting difference to the quality of the water in Port Phillip Bay.