Clean Waterways Services

We’re protecting our waterways from litter through litter traps installed throughout the municipality. These traps, most of which are underground as part of the drain network, are designed and located to prevent litter entering the Yarra River, Moonee Ponds Creek and the Maribyrnong River. For more information see Home, neighbourhood and streets.

Parks Victoria has also installed litter traps along the Yarra to prevent litter entering the river from stormwater drains and ending up in Port Phillip Bay.

As the management authority for our waterways, Parks Victoria has been managing the floating litter traps on the lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers since 1996, managing 18 traps on the Yarra and nine within the city’s boundary. 

Locations for new litter traps are chosen based on local knowledge of Parks Victoria’s experienced senior rangers. Traps are installed by attaching the trap to the river bank (e.g., tied to existing infrastructure) and to train wheel anchors on the river bed.

In high river flow events the traps are emptied up to two times per week. In times of low water flow they are cleaned as needed.

To manage litter that has made its way on water, contractors have been engaged to clean the waterways. Due to the configuration of the harbour and changing currents, flow dependent litter traps are not as effective. 

New technologies such as Seabins have been implemented within marinas where debris and litter can become trapped after heavy rains.

The data collected about the litter we remove downstream is submitted to Tangaroa Blue to inform upstream strategies for litter reduction.

Bacterial water quality is sampled weekly by Melbourne Water at four sites in the Yarra River.

Aquatic pests can be found in both our marine and freshwater systems including Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River. 

Pests include fish and other animals or aquatic plants that have set up residence in locations they would not normally be found. Their introduction can be a result of species extending their range due to global warming, intentional releases, aquaculture escapes or unintentional actions. 

It is estimated that a third of the non-indigenous oceanic species in Australia have arrived via ships’ ballast water. Other aquatic pests have entered Port Phillip Bay on the hulls of ships, anchor chains, fishing gear or recreational equipment.

All boat owners and users have an important role in stopping these pests. You can protect Port Phillip Bay catchment by keeping your boat and equipment clean and by following these simple steps.

Help to keep our waterways clean by getting involved in river clean-ups with community organisation the Yarra Riverkeeper Association, which helps increase awareness and appreciation of the river.

Learn about local, state and national not-for-profit community groups and organisations which help protect the health of our bay and waterways through Yarra & Bay.