Support flows in for SW river group
A social media group which aims to improve water quality in the Vasse River attracted nearly 300 members in about a week.
Busselton teacher and environmentalist Grace Sykes started the Vasse River Community Action Group on Facebook at the end of December.
The group had 294 members yesterday, including Vasse MLA Libby Mettam.
"I started the group to see what everyone's expectations are and to get some support for improving the health of the river," Ms Sykes said.
"I saw there was a lot of discussion on other community group pages, so there's obviously a need for it.
"We had over 150 members in the first 24 hours, which shows it's an issue that should have more attention in Busselton."
Ms Sykes said the purpose of the group was to share information - to discuss ways to tackle the water quality issue and to organise volunteer clean-up and planting days.
She said some of the members were due to meet with Ms Mettam today to voice their concerns about the river.
"I think if the community comes together with one voice there's a chance of something being done," Ms Sykes said.
"Some parts are worse than others, and there're so many agencies doing their own thing.
"It's a matter of getting the right people together to improve the situation, so hopefully this will make a difference."
The Vasse Estuary Technical Working Group has been established, consisting of the departments of Water, Parks and Wildlife, Fisheries, the Water Corporation and the City of Busselton.
A Fish Kill Mitigation and Response Strategy was endorsed at the inaugural Vasse Taskforce meeting in November last year.
Under the strategy, the mouth of the Wonnerup Inlet was opened to the ocean on December 10.
The fish gates were then opened and closed on December 28, which allowed sea water to flow into the estuary.
A Department of Water spokesman said upgraded monitoring equipment installed last year had showed some improvement, but last week dissolved oxygen levels below the required minimum were recorded.
"The City of Busselton will install a water pump near the Vasse estuary flood gates to assist aeration of water as part of its role in the VETWG response strategy," the spokesman said.
Any fish stress activity should be reported immediately to FISHWATCH on 1800 815 507.
