Volunteers remove 435 kilograms of litter from Salt Pan Creek in community clean-up

Fifty-six volunteers, 32 on foot and 24 in kayaks, have come together to remove an estimated 435 kilograms of litter from Salt Pan Creek, in a coordinated clean-up showcasing the strength of collaboration between Georges Riverkeeper, City of Canterbury Bankstown, Georges River Council and local community groups.

The event brought together paddlers, local residents and community volunteers, who worked across the waterway and into the muddy mangroves to collect debris ranging from plastic bottles and food packaging to larger discarded items.

Salt Pan Creek, a key tributary of the Georges River, is particularly vulnerable to litter accumulation due to tidal flows and its dense mangrove systems, which trap floating waste.

Georges Riverkeeper Chairperson, CBCity Councillor David Walsh, emphasised the urgency of early intervention:

“Removing litter before it breaks up into microplastics is one of the most critical actions we can take to protect both environmental and human health. Once plastic fragments enter waterways like Salt Pan Creek, they degrade into particles small enough to be ingested by fish, birds and ultimately people. By intercepting waste in the mangroves and on the water, we’re reducing microplastic generation, safeguarding sensitive habitats, and helping limit the long-term risks these pollutants pose to our communities.”

Mayor of Georges River Council Elise Borg highlighted the broader community benefits:

“Cleaner waterways benefit everyone. They support local wildlife, strengthen ecosystems and create more enjoyable and accessible natural spaces for our residents. Protecting our local environment is essential to the wellbeing of our community and the health of the Georges River. Events like the Salt Pan Creek clean up highlight the power of collective action and show what we can achieve when our community comes together to care for the places we love.”

The clean-up is part of ongoing efforts by Georges Riverkeeper and its member councils to improve water quality, reduce pollution and protect vital habitats across the Georges River catchment.