Dubbo Regional Council Launches Fun Stormwater Education Campaign

Dubbo Regional Council is launching the It’s Our Macquarie stormwater education campaign to urge all residents to help protect the Macquarie River from stormwater pollution.

Council’s Sustainability and Education Officer, Catriona Jennings said we all rely on a strong and healthy Macquarie River, with the River providing at least 70% of our drinking water needs.

“It is therefore important that our community understands the direct connection between our actions at home or workplace, the stormwater system, and the health of our water ways.

“It is only a short trip from a stormwater drain to our beloved Macquarie River. Anything that falls into the gutter, can wash into our street drains and into our waterways inhabited by fish, frogs and other aquatic animals and plants. Grass clippings, fertiliser, chemicals, dog poo, litter, cigarette butts, soil and sediment can all contribute to polluting our waterways,” Mrs Jennings said.

At the heart of the It’s our Macquarie campaign is an animated video which follows the story of Mr Jones, a fictional local primary school teacher. Mr Jones rides alongside the Macquarie River everyday on his way to school and encounters many sources of stormwater pollution. He understands the impact it has on our local waterways, and tries to stop the pollution in its tracks. BUT no matter how hard he tries, it takes more than one person to look after our Macquarie River. Ultimately the campaign is a call to action and seeks the community to get on board!

Council as part of its campaign is encouraging residents, schools and businesses to follow Mr Jones on his journey, watch and share the video, to increase community awareness of the impacts of stormwater pollution on our local waterways and ways they can help to protect the Macquarie River.

“By watching the video and completing the survey participants can win some amazing prizes including ‘My Dubbo’ gift cards and stormwater stencilling for your school or business,” Mrs Jennings said.

The Campaign will commence on Monday 13 May and run through until the 30 June 2019.

Council would also like to highlight the many resources available online to assist residents, schools and businesses in further exploring the issue of stormwater pollution. Visit Council’s website for more information.

For further information on the campaign please contact Council’s Sustainability and Education Officer on 02 6801 4000 or Catriona.jennings@dubbo.nsw.gov.au