Pictured: Mayor Gangemi pictured at Bella Vista Farm during the 2023 Clean Up Australia Day Event.
The Hills Shire Council is calling on the community to ‘Step Up to Clean Up’ and make a difference to protect our waterways this Clean Up Australia.
Council will hold a clean-up at Caddies Creek Park Reserve on Sunday 3 March, from 9am to 11am. The reserve is home to Caddies Creek, a thriving ecosystem and a recently discovered platypus population.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi encouraged community members to bring their families and friends along for an impactful day out.
“I am encouraging residents to volunteer to help the environment this Clean Up Australia Day,” Mayor Gangemi said.
“You feel absolutely amazing after giving your time and energy to a good cause.
“Residents will also learn about how we can support our local wildlife, particularly the platypus.
“Our wildlife and many of our tree and plant species rely on our waterways for survival. That’s why it’s so important that we keep them clear of all litter, particularly plastics and chemicals.”
Dr Michelle Ryan, a platypus expert and researcher from Western Sydney University, will also share insights on how locals can support the welfare of the recently discovered platypus population during the event.
Following sightings and evidence testing, citizen scientists from the Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN) and Dr Ryan’s team successfully captured a healthy platypus in the Cattai Creek catchment in 2023. This marks the first confirmation of platypus in the local area since 1998.
“Litter entanglement is one of the greatest threats to our platypus population in The Hills,” Dr Ryan said.
“Litter such as discarded plastic bags, fishing line and hair ties can pose a serious risk by entangling platypus, limiting their mobility and potentially leading to starvation or drowning.
“Safeguarding our waterways from litter is paramount to ensuring the well-being and survival of these iconic creatures.”
Clean Up Australia Day is an annual event that encourages communities to protect the environment by cleaning up their local areas. The event has been inspiring people for over 30 years.
To join the clean-up initiative and to learn more about how you can help, visit Council’s website and search ‘Step Up to Clean Up Australia Day’.
