The ecological degradation of the Georges River is consistent with the worldwide phenomena known as the ‘Urban Stream Syndrome’. This syndrome occurs when impermeable urban landscapes deliver much larger volumes of stormwater to the river than natural green areas would deliver. Creeks begin to function as stormwater canals, flushing polluted water into the river. Other conditions that often accompany this syndrome include sewage overflows, litter pollution, widespread weeds, erosion and flooding. These, and the many other ongoing challenges for the river, are a result the urbanised nature of the catchment.

vegetation has been removed from the land leaving only soil and rocks

Deforestation and habitat loss

Much of the Georges River catchment is highly urbanised, with the clearing of significant areas of native forest resulting in loss of habitats and reduced biodiversity. Cleared landscapes lack the ability to trap and filter pollutants before they flow into waterways. Large-scale sandmining and dredging have also dramatically altered the morphology of the Georges River.

Stormwater drain releasing rainwater high flow

High stormwater flows

Impervious urban surfaces prevent infiltration of water into the ground, as occurs in forested landscapes, which filters and cleans the water before circulating back into the waterway. Most runoff from storms in the catchment is directed into stormwater channels and urban creeks, then into the Georges River. The resulting large and fast flows wash many pollutants into waterways, erode creeklines and flood low-lying areas.

Pollution at Little Salt Pan Creek in the Georges River catchment
Pollution at Little Salt Pan Creek in the Georges River catchment

Poor water quality

Rainwater flowing across urban landscapes can pick up oils, detergents and tyre residue from roads; fertilisers, pesticides and lawn clippings from gardens; sediment from poorly maintained construction sites; litter; and other pollutants carelessly disposed of down outdoor drains. Most stormwater is not treated before entering the Georges River.

sewage overflow notification sign near stormwater canal

Sewage

Sewage leaks and overflows occur from broken pipes and blockages, and when high flows overwhelm the system during high rainfall. As well as smelling awful, sewage leaks contain pathogens that are harmful to human health, and high nutrient concentrations that can result in fish kills and algal blooms.

Plastic Litter and other rubbish in the riparian zone of the Georges River

Litter

Litter is washed or blown into waterways, including creeks, rivers and the ocean. Much of the litter entering the Georges River that is plastic does not degrade, it just breaks up into small pieces that persist in the environment. Plastic litter reduces amenity, harms wildlife and can enter food webs.

Exotic Species Amazon Frogbit aquatic weed with green leaves on the Georges River
Amazon Frogbit

Exotic species

Some introduced plants and animals thrive in highly altered urban landscapes, with highly diverse native ecosystems being replaced by a few hardy exotic species. In addition to the loss of native biodiversity, simplified ecosystems do not provide the same range of beneficial ecosystem services as more complex ecosystems.

Georges River flooding into carpark at Georges River National Park
Flooding at Georges River National Park

Climate change

Climate change is a global phenomenon with local consequences. Changing climatic conditions will require adjustments in our way of life and threaten many species’ survival. Reduced rainfall, more intense storms, sea level rise and flooding will have significant impacts on property and life in the Georges River catchment.

Pollution from take away coffee cups, cigarette butts, plastic bottles and leave litter on the road near a stormwater drain

Human behaviour

The Georges River catchment has over 1.4 million residents. Most people value maintaining clean and healthy waterways for their intrinsic natural values, beauty and amenity. However, a large urban population that feels increasingly disconnected from nature can lose sight of how their actions can affect river health.