A planned clean-up of the Myall River at Tea Gardens has been put back a week following recent heavy rain.
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The clean-up will now go ahead on Wednesday, June 28.
Gordon Grainger from the Myall River Action Group, which is organising the project, said the rain had resulted in a large volume of water coming from the catchment area causing increased turbidity.
The information came from Department of OEH team leader for estuaries, Dr Peter Scanes, who has technical equipment based in the river measuring salinity levels and turbidity.
“His advice is that any diver would have visibility problems, even should the rain cease and suggests we defer the clean-up for another week,” Mr Grainger said.
The small group was formed when concerned members of the community noticed marked changes to the Myall River.
The group is seen as a watch dog on water quality on the lower Myall River quality and a voice when needed to improve the ambience and general amenity of the area.
A pro-dredging group, they have overseen a channelling program through the ‘backside’ of Corrie Island and has been been a major voice resulting in the installation of the public and ferry wharves in Tea Gardens.
The unknown quantity of discarded shopping trolleys and other debris was identified lying on the river floor while MidCoast Council was undertaking a seagrass survey earlier this year.
Forster salvage diver, Suzanne Fieberg and a diving buddy will removed the rubbish in an area stretching approximately 600 metres from the Ogden Street ramp to the Singing Bridge.
“The heaviest emphasis will be the commercial area, particularly near the hotel,” Mr Grainger said.
“Suzanne will bring members of her dive group who will look for sunken treasures, often in the shape of old bottles – now valuable collector items – and who knows what else,” he smiled.
Volunteers boaties will pick-up the debris, which will be floated to the surface, towed to shore and taken to the local tip.
Mr Grainger said he had been overwhelmed by the community and community groups who had volunteered their support to the first-time river-bed clean-up.
Council’s environment department had given $600, while the waste department had waived tip fees, Tea Gardens Lions Club had donated $500, while CTC had given $100.